posted June 20, 2005 11:38 AM               

I was going downwind for quite some time it these conditions, and had no issues. It was also my forst time trying my new whisker pole - what a difference. Flying wing on wing, I was hitting 6 kts. It was great, the boat loved it.

Upwind, different story, the tide was going out (same direction as the wind) so I was battling two evils. My pointing ablility was severly affected. This is when patience comes in. When tacking, you need to leave your sails loose for a longer time, then trim them in. If you tack, then trim tightly, the boat will round as the wind overpowers it. (I hope I am making sense here). So, tack, loose sails, then trim in slowly and let the boat finds its best point, then trim to that. That will be the best you will do with the boat. As much as one would be tempted to run tight, the boat may not want to point with it, and this will only cause you frustration. I didn't have my main reefed, and had my main Jib up. (which by the way, is factory but not a true 150%, it is only a 125%, I measured it). I know, that if I had of put the blade up (storm jib) my pointing ability would have drastically increased, I just wanted to feel the boat out first. So, I would have put my blade up, full main - outcome probably would have been, increased pointing ability, full main would have given me the power to overcome the waves and small swells without overpowering the boat. Even with the larger jib, I was able to trim my main quite well so that the boom was at centre (where it should be) so with the smaller jib, I would have been able to hold the full main as well, just with increase pointing.

Another important factor, weight on the boat. Or the transfer of that weight. Being a smaller boat, the Piper is very sensitive when comes to weight. Any more than the magic 15 degrees, and its a no-go. Having enough people on board in the proper places to offset the force of the wind will help. I'll often have two of us in the cockpit, and one sitting on the table in the middle. She's a light boat which is why things like tide and current affect it so much.

So, in closing my rambling ( I may be boring people) now that I've had the boat in the water a couple months cruising and racing it, I am getting to know her. I only speak of my experiences and don't claim to know it all. Just offering what I have done.

------------------
Rob Belliveau
1976 Sandpiper 565
"CoolBreeze"
Halifax NS
Dartmouth Yacht Club

posted June 20, 2005 01:06 PM               

I will also pass on that Cody told us one of the reasons the Piper isn't manufactered anymore is because it's so well built, it would cost as much to produce as boats much larger. It was designed to Lloyd's Standards to sail on the English Channel. That's tells you quite alot!

posted June 21, 2005 05:47 PM               

While getting a bit of maintenance on our sails , I had a chance to talk with "Shortwave's" sail maker Hyder Funck. He couldn't recall the exact boat but apparently a centreboard boat (might have been a Sandpiper or maybe a Siren) capsized a number of years ago. Apparently caused quite a stir at the yacht club as most people think they can't go over.

So, in heavy stuff, sail cautiously. Keep it flat. I'd recommend not raising the centreboard while reaching or running. In the event of a capsize you will find the centreboard very useful in righting the boat.

posted June 23, 2005 06:24 AM               

44k wind. 2 reefs in the main and no sail at the front. It sail very well. No sense of sailing to inclined. Do not force the boat. Let it breath and it will be very happy.

I noticed over the years that on rough weather and high seas, the main only goes as fast as the boat can handle and it is much easier on the crew and the Piper.

I just love riding the waves and I always feel confident when rig that way. The info on letting the keel down is a good one. Don't take the chance because you'll find yourself lying on the side pretty fast.

The only time I raise it, it is when I run for a long time on the motor. I keep about a quater out to stabilize the course.

By the way my new Yamaha 4 stroke 6 hp eat 1 liter an hour. Pretty happy with that.

Bye