E-34 in Heaver weather
Hi,
Living in Port Angeles on the southern edge of the "infamous" Straights of Juan de Fuca, I have a little Experience with the heaver weather side of E-34 sailing. The E-34 is a great boat in higher winds. The wide beam and deep keel make for stiffness. The sharp deep forefoot does not pound in lumpy seas (the only kind we seem to get). The E-34 has a generous sail plan which gives it excellent light air performance. It also means there is a lot of sail when the wind is howling. I usually carry a roller furling 130 on the forestay. I have the option of a roller furling 70 if it's really wild. That means gale and above. I bought the boat in Victoria. The first sail was back to Port Angeles hard on the wind in 24-28 knot winds and a heavy ebb tide opposing the wind. That meant punching into 6- 8 foot lumpers for 18+ miles hard on the wind. Not the best weather to introduce the wife to a new boat. It also meant a great chance to play monkey and jump all over the boat trying different sail combinations. The boat balances well and does 7+ knots with two reefs in the main and the jib rolled in to about 80% Pretty impressive in those conditions. Also , there was no pounding. With the main completely down and the jib rolled in to a 120% the boat did 7+ knots with only a slight weather helm. Remember this was hard on the wind. The only advantage I saw in these conditions to the main up with the jib rolled in was that it raised the foot so the jib scooped less water. Like Tom, I normally reef the main until there is no main and sail under the jib only. Why work two sails when one does just as good? The exception is when the seas are high. Then I either furl the jib to around 80% or set the 70% which is above the lifelines and use a double reefed main. Above 35 knots, the boat sails with just the 70%
Bob Morrison
E-34 "Terra Nova"
Port Angeles