maximum comfortable wind speed

[Pasi in Finland]

As my Pocketship is nearing completion, I have spend more and more time on fantasizing about all the wonderful trips I'll be doing next summer. As I've read the rig is really good for light winds, I do wonder how it handles the higher winds? I know I'll eventually find out, but would be great to hear some opinions.

So what is the maximum comfortable wind you'd be happy to go sailing in? I know a lot of you have been in survival mode winds after the wind has picked up more than forecast, but what kind of wind speeds would you still go out in? I'm fully aware this is experience and sailor dependent, but would be interested in some kind a ballpark.

I also understand if the wind is way up in the more uncomfortable range, it might not be fun to go out even though possible due to wave action etc. So how about picturing it like this: You've sailed to a beautiful protected anchorage on a Saturday, you are 20 NM from your home port. Sunday morning the winds are way higher than forecast blowing at XX. You are sitting there thinking you really should be at work Monday morning. You have a choice of staying in your protected anchorage and be a day late for work, or pull in two reefs and head out. How high can XX be and you'd still sail out?

Pasi

[Sailing Surgeon]

I took out my Pocketship earlier this week in winds up to 20 to 22 kts. We sailed with both reefs in the mail and about a 1/3 of the Genoa out. The most difficult part was getting off the pontoon after launching as Pocketbook ship has a lot of windage. My ePropulsion was barely up to the task and the rudder needs good flow to be useful. Once we got the sail up she handled fine although one needs enough speed to get through tacks (I would leave the Genoa cleated off and use it backwinded to get through tacks). Hope this helps.

[Pasi in Finland]

Thank you for your reply! It sounds like in the 20 knot and above range things start turning from controllable to surviveable. I'm sure after my first summer of sailing I'll know a lot more

Pasi

[slash2]

I would definitely recommend putting in a jiffy reefing system, especially if you solo sail. I got caught out one day solo sailing when the winds gusted up ( contrary to the forecast) and I had a really hard time getting a reef in ( before adding the jiffy reef). I was impressed though that the boat kept on her feet nicely- I felt safe even when she was getting pushed over hard. I’ve learned my lesson and I now I put a reef in early if the winds look like they will exceed 12 knots or so. She sails along fine with a reef. Have not had to go to two reefs yet.

[Pasi in Finland]

Reading all the posts related to reefing my plan has been to implement jiffy reefing all along. Even when not solo it is a lot less stressful when reefing is easy. For some reason when the time comes to reef things are usually starting to be at least interesting if not scary.

Pasi

[dbeck]

It depends. Going up- or downwind? Steady wind or gusts with changing direction? Is there considerable fetch? Then the sea state can make a big difference. Are there sheltered places on the way as a plan B? What is the crews experience and physical/mental strength?

20nm is a trip of at least 4-5 hours and might be tiring even in favorable conditions.

Its really hard to give a number XY here …

[Pasi in Finland]

you are absolutely right that it depends on the conditions. Even a nice sunshine vs raining makes a big difference mentally, not to even mention if you will be battling headwind or going downwind.

Exact number is definitely impossible, I was more looking for data points.

Based on my rather limited (< 2h) Pocketship experience, 8-10 knots seems perfect. Interesting to start gaining experience with higher winds.

Happy sailing!
Pasi