http://www.bwsailing.com^17{ OFFSHORE }
BWSthe main, allowing at least one sail to
work properly.
The helmsman can help the whole
process by moving the rudder as little
as possible. Tiny moves made gently
will help to keep the boat going. And
to help the helmsman and trimmers
know where the wind is and what it
is doing, wool telltales taped to the
shrouds 10 feet apart will help to in-
dicate both wind speed and direction
and how the wind shear is affected at
various heights up the mast. Trimmers
can trim to the greater wind aloft or
to the greater sail area lower down on
the sails.
As the wind drops to nil, try to get
to the side of the course from which
the new breeze is expected. Look for
wind under clouds; frequently the
clouds set up their own circulation
and boats underneath can be ghost-
ing along while others are parked on
a mirror. We have used the technique
of “connecting the dots” below the
clouds on several round the world
races as well as other transatlantic
passages. The light breezes may be in-
dicated by “cats’ paws” on the surface
of the water, but that is not necessar-
ily the case. Occasionally the wind is
higher aloft due to the wind shear, and
it may not be indicated on the surface.
When cold water and warm air are
present, as in Marblehead to Halifax
races or early season sailing in the
Great Lakes, wind shear will be at its
maximum. The cold water sets up a
buffer of cold air at the water’s surface- a marine layer of air – that keeps the
warmer air from getting all the way
down to the water’s surface. The result
is that your instruments may indicate
15 knot winds at the masthead but
your sails are flopping from side to
side in drifting mode. Identify where
the wind is actually working and try
to trim to that.
Above everything else, remain
patient and work consistently while
battling the light conditions. Win-
ning a light air race and getting where
you’re going frequently requires more
technical skill than racing in moderate
conditions; enjoy the challenge. And
if the other guy loses his patience and
starts spinning the helm from lock to
lock, you’re certain to win!
Bill Biewenga is a navigator, delivery
skipper and weather router. His websites
are http://www.weather4sailors.com and http://www.
WxAdvantage.com. He can be contacted
at [email protected]