One of the items on the sea trials check list was to test our “steering jib” concept.

Most yachts will lie more or less abeam of the wind if at rest, an uncomfortable and possibly dangerous attitude in heavy weather. We wanted to see how large a headsail would be required to pull the bow downwind, and if it would provide a driving force to propel the boat forward.

We are using a jib loaned by a local sailmaker, set on the headstay which runs from the aft masts, over the bow mast, and down to the anchor fairlead.

The breeze is light, as you can see, but we are able to “sail” at about 120 degrees true wind angle at around a half knot. The concept does work. Now we need to determine how large the steering jib should be.