tacking cp 16 in difficult waves

[Ed Epstein]

I experienced a front that changed conditions from easy 5-6 mph winds with waves of less than a foot to 15-20 with 2-3ft swells in   what seemed like just a few minutes. My main problem was tacking
back upwind so that I could return to my marina without resorting to the outboard . I much prefer to not use the outboard. The boat compac 16 legacy could not complete a tack in those conditions.
Any advice?? I had the cb down,did not reef mainsail or lower jib as I thought that depowering the boat would not help.. I resorted to  a jibe but I don't like that in those conditions. I was sailing solo.
Ed

[carry-on]

A little reluctant to reply because I am far from an expert. My CP-16 also has a center board, so I think our rigs are similar. What size jib were you using in the light wind?
When I have problems, it is because I am starting the tack from a reach with too little speed. My boat needs about 3 mph minimum to ensure a clean tack. That can be a problem in 5-6 winds but should be easy in 15-20.
Here is what helps when I am alone:
Build some speed close to the wind.
Sheet in the main and forget it until you set the jib on the new course.
Tiller to lee, a strong move to get the bow through the wind, and don't shift the working sheet until you have some back wind on the jib.
My experience in the Finger Lakes was only in power boats. When a front comes through, the wind can be dancing around quite a bit. That would make sailing more difficult.
Happy sailing.

[philb Junkie19]

Another non expert here. I'm that wondering that with full sail in those winds if you were de-powering by sail trim. Reefed, in those winds you should still be able to reach max speed for the conditions and may have more power. My 16 didn't have a centerboard but with reefed main and storm jib it would sail comfortably in high winds.  Getting up speed, possibly waiting for a smaller wave and timing your tack to the wave then back-winding the jib to help you around all can help. Sailing solo I also found after putting in a reef made everything feel more under control and easier to manage.

[zonefour]

When in doubt remember: two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights make a left.

[Mas]

I am no expert but have spent years at the tiller of a Cp16 and they do handle such conditions well. They don't point particularly well though. The Mk2 and above do a better job than the Mk1's at a close reach. That might be part of your dilemma. The hull of a 16, just cuz it is a small boat will hobby horse in waves but doesn't pound. I haver no idea as to he sea keeping qualities of a Legacy however. If you find yourself having difficulty finishing a tack, try leaving the jib backed for just a bit to help push the bow over before you set it on the new tack.

Good luck, but know Hutchins builds good little boats!

[NateD]

As others have said, build some speed, try to time the tack with the waves, and back-wind the jib. Without the jib it might be impossible to tack in conditions like that. I'm trying to remember if there was ever a situation where I couldn't tack with the jib up and there might have been, but in my experience it's almost always possible with the jib back-winded. Might take a try or two though.