Tacking a Rudderless Cape Cod Mercury
Options for tacking a Capecod Mercury while sailing without a jib or rudder
Plan A: A roll tack like maneuver can be used to translate the forward motion of the boat into momentum to turn the boat:
Plan B: If the tack is incomplete and the boat is still on the last tack or in irons, apply weight and back the main in the direction of the desired turn. In light winds, the boat will complete the tack. In heavier winds, backing the main may lead to a leeward heal and the boat will start turning in the direction opposite to the tack; However, although the boat jibes instead of tacks, the effect is the same and the boat finishes on the opposite tack:
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Copyright Phil Rossoni 11/14/2008