
4.2 Sailing And Docking Tips
4.2.1 Hoisting And Setting Sails
1.
Always attempt to have your best head to the wind when hoisting sails, even if this entails moving
to another spot after launching.
If your boat has an outboard, motoring slowly dead to windward while hoisting sail is good
seamanship. Raise the sails and secure the halyards so that the leading edges of the two sails
are smooth and wrinkle or "scallop" free.
2.
If leaving the dock under sail, always leave by pushing off with enough FORWARD momentum to
allow you to steer and in such a direction that sails will fill immediately after pushing off. Often
bystanders will try to help you shove off and then merely shove your boat sideways. This will not
allow your sails to fill and soon you will be drifting backwards out of control. While underway,
move the jib fairlead block along its track on the gunwale (railing) of the boat so that neither the
foot or leech (trailing edge) of the sail flutters appreciably. Moving the jib block forward a few
inches pulls down on the leech of the sail. Moving the jib block back or aft a few inches pulls the
foot of the sail tighter and flatter. An experienced sailing friend can help you find the most
Page 22 of 35
Catalina 22 Owner's Manual for 1987
7/21/2010
http://www.catalina22.org/manuals/mnl87/handbook.htm