Old club classes

Originally posted by Mozzy There is a mizzen on the in laws day boat. It completely gets rid of lee helm upwind. Of course, it's a bit of an air break, like sailing with lee helm is a water break. So I doubt it's any faster with it up, but it does make the boat nicer to sail.  ......

As I understand it, it is possible  to make a multi-mast rig actually self steer upwind or on a reach. Not just balanced, so it keeps going where it's pointed, but actively self-correcting if it gets knocked off course by a wave or the wind shifts. I refer those interested to the AYRS book on self steering, as I'm sure I'd make a hash of explaining it!

There is a mizzen on the in laws day boat. It completely gets rid of lee helm upwind. Of course, it's a bit of an air break, like sailing with lee helm is a water break. So I doubt it's any faster with it up, but it does make the boat nicer to sail. 

It does raise the question of why you wouldn't just have the sail plan balanced without it. But it does allow you to keep more sail area forward and an open back deck area (good for fishing I suppose). It can also help with manoeuvrability as you can change the CoE quick dramatically by sheeting it on or off.  Also keeps you head to wind when hoisting or dropping the mainsail. 

Edited by Mozzy - 21 Apr 22 at 10:20am

Hi Davidyacht

Went on a cruising forum and had a read, useful sail.

There is always a centre of effort   just as there is always a centre of lateral resistance. Adding a jib will move it forward, adding a mizzen will move it aft but it's always there.