Defensive Sailing - Defensive Sailing
Initial Report
Letter Text:
In Issue #23 you have a report of a near-collision between two boats, one sailing, the other at anchor. As reported, the helmsman of the yacht, apparently on his own, could not see ahead and to leeward under the genoa.
I sail a 32 foot yacht single handed and keeping a lookout is difficult. However by taking in two rolls on the genoa I can see underneath it at almost all angles of heel, and in a heavy wind I probably need to take three rolls in anyway. The loss of boat-speed when sailing is negligible, and I can see other craft to leeward.