The Mizzen Is No Longer Mizzen!

SHIP'S LOG:

Six boats from TYC took off Saturday to join the Annual Cruise of the Cruising Club of New England.  It has been reported that the total number of boats on the cruise is 11 so it is more like the CCNE is joining a group from TYC! This year they are gathering in the pond at Point Judith for cocktails on Sunday night and then will go to Jamestown, Wickford, Greenwich and then back to Point Judith and home. It doesn't seem to make a great deal of sense when you reflect on it. For the price of club membership you get to cruise in company with others and pay for dinners and drinks ashore. True, you do get an rather interesting burgee, but you could probably easily save the money for membership and do it with friends.

The weather for the last couple of days has been spectacular from as sailing perspective. Each day has had good winds from another point of the compass rather than just from the South-West as is typical for this time of year. It has allowed me to pick points that the usual SW winds would have made a bit of work to get to. These past few days, it was basically one tack to wherever I wished to go. I have also been making use of the Mizzen when I sail. I have been a bit loathed to do so when there was a lot of tacking to be expected as it is a bit more work to use it.  To tack ABISHAG when using the Mizzen, Main and Genoa, you have to

   1.) Loosen the Windward Running Backstay on the Mizzen Mast and tighten the Leeward side.
 
    2.) Snug up the leeward side Genoa sheet and insert the winch handle in the leeward winch.

   3.) Turn the helm 1/2 turn to windward.

   4.) Release the windward Genoa sheet and tighten the leeward Genoa sheet.

   5.) Center the helm when the boom comes across.

   6.) Release the leeward Mizzen sheet and tighten the windward Mizzen sheet.

   7.) Trim The Genoa,

   8.) Trim the Main.

   9.) Trim the Mizzen.

Like I said that can be a lot of work, especially of you have to tack a dozen times getting out of the river.   SO why use the Mizzen? Well, it represents about 20% of the total sail area and, as a result, it adds a significant "bump" to the power of the rig and the speed of the boat, not necessarily  close-hauled, but anywhere of the wind, it is noticeable. Using the Mizzen also balances the boat better. She will track with greater ease and has less weather helm, the tendency to turn up into the wind. With the sails and adjusted correctly, I don't even have to touch the wheel.  She will sail herself for long periods unattended. And lastly, it really looks great! I've got to get someone to take a picture!