Seawind 1160 Deluxe, Owner'S Manual

Page: 56 / 65

Owners Handbook 56
S e a w i n d C a t a m a r a n s
“preventer” so that the boat cannot accidentally gybe, while sailing down wind.
Nevertheless, when you decide to gybe, ease enough mainsheet tension so that
you can move and lock the traveler on the centreline. Next, as the boat is
slowly turned, pull in the mainsheet so that it is on centreline as the stern
passes through the eye of the wind, and then smoothly feed it out as the boat
goes onto the new tack. After completing the gybe, ease the traveler back
down and trim the sail
with the mainsheet. This method will ensure safe,
controlled gybing even in very windy conditions.
Reaching and Running
By far the most comfortable point of sailing the Seawind 1160 is running with
the wind abeam at 120 degrees relative. When running the traveler needs to be
fully out and mainsheet on sufficiently to hold the main sail off the swept back
stays.
WARNING: The Mainsail must be kept off the Side Stays to prevent
premature wear of the sail.
The Seawind 1160 should not be run directly down wind as it increases risk of
damage from an uncontrolled gybe. Better downwind performance can be
achieved by tacking and using the optional Screecher or Multi Purpose
Spinnaker.
WARNING: The optional Screecher headsail or Multi Purpose Spinnaker must
not be used in more than 15 Knots apparent wind speed.
The optional Bowsprit may be raised to detach the Screecher but needs to be
fully down when in use. The Screecher is a very large headsail and should not be
left unattended under sail or furled. The Screecher is for reaching and running
in up to 15 Knots apparent wind speed only. It is not a “Code Zero”.
Heavy Weather
It is prudent to avoid heavy weather conditions wherever possible. Should you
find yourself in strong wind conditions the Seawind 1160 will hove to well
because of fullness in its hulls and wide beam. It behaves like a life raft and is
remarkably calm considering the conditions while you wait for the storm to pass.
WARNING: To hove to there needs to sufficient room downwind to drift at
around one knot.
To hove to the jib must be fully furled and mainsail reefed to suit the wind
strength at the time. Set the main sail traveler fully out and mainsheet on. Turn
and possibly motor the boat so the mainsail is pointing into the wind, with the
boat about 40 degrees off the wind. Stop the boat and lash the rudders fully on
the opposite tack to the main. This is an active hove to position with the boat