Handsfree Sailing a Cape Cod Mercury
Video of hands free sailing:
Synobsis:
Mainsheet has been tied to port cleat. View is to rear of boat (rudder has been removed). Weight is to windward. The wind creates lift force which is in balance with the windward weight. The angle of attack of the wind direction and the sail cord changes with wind speed and/or direction. An increase in the angle of attack will cause the boat to heal to leward and the boat will head upwind, reducing the angle of attack until the weight and wind forces balance. A decrease in the angle of attack will cause a heal to windward and the boat will turn downwind, increasing the angle of attack. Notice how the boat heal causes the heading of the boat to change.
What to do while hands free sailing?
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