A reef is an increase in the actual wind. This chart can be taken the other way around for the passage of a squall (but we try to avoid them). A strengthening wind (while remaining stable in direction) makes the apparent wind increase. The boat’s objective is to take the most direct route.
Increasing force:
- You shock a little - You maintain the course - bends.
- If the true wind is too strong, the apparent wind (will) give way without being able to hold the boat and one must then loaf or shock.
Variable in direction:
- Wind that gives: one luffs in order to follow the wind.
- Wind that refuses: we maintain the current heading for a few seconds (gain to the wind thanks to inertia) then we shock to find the optimal speed.
To reduce the lengthening of the course, it is preferable to follow the changes of wind (adonnant or refusant) with the sheets.
Increasing force:
- We keep the setting and lower.
display_reading_time: true display_share_buttons: true navigation:
- “/docs/winds/changing_speed_with_fixed_real_wind_speed”
- “/docs/winds”
Variable in direction:
- Wind that refuses: one shuts down right away.
- Wind that gives: we keep the current heading for a few seconds (gain downwind thanks to inertia) then we lofe to find the optimal speed.