Be The Captain · video

What this video covers

To heave to on a Beneteau 47.7, the helmsman disengages the autopilot, tacks the boat through the wind, and allows the jib to backwind. Once the jib is backwinded, the wheel is turned hard over in the opposite direction and locked in place. The mainsail must be trimmed tight to the centerline to stabilize the boat. If the boat remains beam-to the waves or fails to maintain a comfortable angle, the crew must balance the sail plan by furling the jib or adjusting the mainsail reefing. A large, full jib on a light, fin-keel production boat can push the bow away from the wind, causing the boat to drift poorly or circle. Heaving to on one tack often provides a more stable, comfortable motion than the other depending on wave state and current. To exit the maneuver, the helmsman releases the wheel and tacks the boat through the wind. For storm conditions, route jib sheets inside the shrouds to prevent chafe during prolonged exposure to high winds.

Boats in this video

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