Sailing Theory

The sum of all wind pressure on the sail is called wind force. The center of that force, which is above the water, is called the center of effort (CE).

The center of the force below the surface of the water is called the center of lateral resistance (CLR). This is the point where all the boat’s resistance to sideways pressure is concentrated.

A boat performs best when the two forces are in balance. This is when they are positioned one over the other in a vertical line through the boat’s sail and hull. Your job as a sailor is to keep these two forces in proper balance so that your boat will sail correctly.

You keep the boat balanced by shifting your weight and adjusting your sail.

Your boat has weather helm when you have to constantly pull the tiller towards you to keep the boat straight on course.

Lee helm is when you do the opposite; pushing the tiller towards the sail. Most boats are designed to have a little weather helm. However, too much of it can make sailing difficult in anything other than light breezes. If your boat has a lot of weather helm, it means the CE and the CLR are not in alignment.There is more sail pressure aft of the CLR than forward of it.

To correct the balance:

1. Shift your weight aft (back towards the stern)

2. Pull up the centerboard.

3. If your boat has a jib, ease (let out) the mainsail.

4. Try any combination of these.

Sailing Terms

Amidships- the middle of the boat. Backwind- the wind flowing off the sail.
Close Hauled- one of the points of sail; sailing as close to the wind as possible.
Dead Astern- straight behind
Flaking- Folding the sail.
Glide Zone- the distance it take a boat to stop after turning head to wind.
Heave To- to head the boat into the wind in order to slow it down or stop it.

Weather- The Sea Breeze

As a sailor you should know about local winds. The cause of these winds is difference in temperature; cold air is heavier than warm air. The most popular of these local winds is the sea breeze.

Warm air over the land rises…And is replaced by cooler air sinking over the ocean. At night the opposite happens. The land quickly loses its heat at night and often falls to a lower temperature than the water. This results in a light offshore evening wind.

On a lake or river, the warm air can rise at the edges to be replaced by the cool air over the water. This can result in a nice breeze for sailing.

Forecast for a Typical Sea Breeze Day

Morning Very Light Winds No Weather Systems Near Clear Sky
High Temperatures But Cooler Near the Shore

Afternoon Wind coming from water starting Midday Cumulus Clouds over land
Clear over water Winds Speeds 8 - 12 knots
Evening Winds Decreasing as sun slips over horizon

One sure way to spoil at least some of the time spent on a holiday is to let the vacation weather catch family members unprepared. Wise travelers devote at least a few minutes to learning what sort of weather conditions to expect at their destination. Gathering this information actually involves two or three different areas.

After securing a good map and written directions to the destination, it might be a good idea to become familiar with the general climate at the destination and in the surrounding area. Become familiar with the usual weather and some possible extremes. This will allow members of the traveling group to pack less clothing, instead of trying to include all the items that might be necessary.

Many travelers take pains to pack clothes for various occasions they plan to be involved in during their travels. Some of these are casual, some are more formal. But fewer travelers give much thought to temperature, precipitation, wind and so on. If the weather at the destination varies from warm during the day to cool at night, the wise thing to do is plan to wear layers of lighter weight clothing. This will allow adding or removing such items as a second shirt or jacket, long pants instead of shorts etc.

Some experienced travelers advise trying to keep color varieties to a minimum, concentrating on basic hues such as black, tan etc. These colors often work well in both casual situations and for slightly formal occasions. Clothes for formal occasions should probably be reduced to one suit or outfit, to leave more room for everyday wear and lounging wear. Many travelers find that they have carried too many items of formal clothing, only to leave them in the closet or clothes bag.

One key to planning for holiday weather is to take along lighter weight clothing that can be washed, then dried conveniently. Generally, travelers don’t want to spend a great deal of time caring for their clothing when on a vacation trip. Items such as thick sweaters and large coats should usually be left behind. It would be best to take thinner sweaters, light jackets and an extra shirt instead.

The happy traveler does not have to deal with more than a few clothing changes. If the trip is to extend beyond one week, some basic laundry tasks may have to be included in the plans for one day. But this bit of time is easier to handle than too many suitcases or too many items of clothing.

When thinking about weather in benidorm and how it may affect the vacation trip, it would be wise to consider some basic medications and items that an individual might need. Some research about plants and air quality in the destination area may help prepare the family or group members for allergic reactions or discomfort. These items should be carried in a small personal bag, along with one change of clothes and a few personal items such as toothpaste and toothbrush. Be prepared, weather-wise, and avoid stressful situations when you are supposed to be having fun.