The remarkable course stability of the Pearson Ariel

[carbonsoup]

i received my new main from BaconSails a couple days ago and I was able to go out yesterday for a couple hours.... well, after sitting in the dead air for about 20 minutes the squall hit me and I was off! For the couple minutes that the wind was under 10 knots the boat was balanced for the first time all on its own! quite amazing the difference a new main sail will make. in looking at the shape of the sail compared to the old blow out 30 year old sail... i would say that the center of effort has moved forward since the efficiency of the luff has increased dramatically.

a couple minutes later i had a single reef and the storm jib while it was blowing 30-40 knots. fun! at this point there was a lot of weather helm but whatever. another hour or so later there was 6 ft breaking waves (tide in the chesapeake was coming in while the wind was blowing south-east). I have to say this seeming little boat handles weather incredibly well for her size.

more on balance later.