Rachael Sprot talks through her top hints and tips on handling large yachts, which are becoming more popular in both private ownership and the charter marketIf there\u2019s one trend that\u2019s true across all areas of sailing, it\u2019s that large yachts are becoming more common. Advances in technology have made ever-larger yachts more affordable while sail handling systems have evolved to make them easier to handle.
\nWhereas a 50-footer was once likely to be a \u2018flagship\u2019, now most manufacturers have at least one model over 50ft, often an entire range, many of them capable of being sailed short-handed.
\nThe trend is repeating among the charter market: Sunsail now offers a 52ft monohull in their bareboat range, making large yachts accessible to those with an RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate and above. Yet there are not many opportunities to train on this size of vessel. We take a look at some of the factors that need to be considered when making the step-up:
\nLength
\nA yacht\u2019s length itself is not the biggest challenge to overcome, you\u2019ll soon adapt to the longer profile when coming in and out of marinas. However, be aware that there\u2019s a bigger blind spot under the bows of a larger yacht.
\nIn confined spaces or areas with lots of activity on the water it\u2019s important to keep an active look out: mooring balls or dinghies can quickly disappear. Most modern yachts handle well in astern, and reverse parking is one of the easiest ways to overcome this problem because the skipper has a better view of where they\u2019re going. Otherwise, post a spotter on the bow.
\nCommunication is more difficult over a longer deck, so brief your crew before sending them forwards and have an agreed set of hand signals.
\nTechnology has enabled larger boats to be more easily sailed by smaller crews. Photo: Richard Langdon
\nWhen coming alongside, brief the bow team to count you down from 5m using their fingers. It\u2019s much more effective over the noise of an engine and is more discreet \u2013 no-one wants the whole marina knowing that you\u2019ve gone from \u2018Two!\u2019 to \u2018Zero\u2026ZERO!\u2019 metres on the bow.
\nDisplacement
\nDisplacement increases disproportionately to length. For example, the 2011 Hallberg-Rassy 412 weighs 11.1 tonnes, while the 64ft version of the same vintage weighs 36 tonnes. That\u2019s a 50% increase in length and more than 300% in weight.
\nIncreased weight means there\u2019s much more power behind every manoeuvre. It takes a while to get 30-plus tonnes moving through the water, but once it\u2019s moving it keeps moving. To avoid doing things too fast, on larger yachts you can do much of your power-handling in neutral once you\u2019ve established steerage because the boat will carry its way for longer.
\nBe mindful of stopping distances and go gently: fenders won\u2019t be three times bigger than on a 41-footer. Even at slow speeds, 36 tonnes can cause a lot of damage so be cautious with your revs.
\nHeight
\nWith a higher freeboard you\u2019ll need to plan your berthing carefully: you can\u2019t rely on a crew member being able to get off and stop the boat, or to push you out of a berth and jump aboard. Use bow or stern springs on slips to exit a berth cleanly instead of the \u2018shove-n-go\u2019 technique.
\nWhen coming alongside, a midships line is a great way to get the boat more or less secure \u2013 drive forwards on a midships line and turn the helm away from the pontoon. This can hold the yacht in position while you set up the other lines. Mastering the art of lassoing a cleat will save the crew from the hazard of stepping off high decks.
\nTime
\nEvery manoeuvre is slower to execute than it would be on a smaller boat, and once set in motion, harder to stop. Just walking around the boat to set up lines and fenders takes longer, let alone gybing a spinnaker or putting in a reef.
\nGive yourself plenty of time to think through the manoeuvre, set things up and allow the sea room for executing them. It\u2019s the biggest single factor that will reduce stress for both skipper and crew.
\nWhen to move up
\nWithout doubt, the miles I\u2019ve done on boats over 50ft have been the most rewarding. Large yachts can expand your cruising horizons, enabling you to undertake voyages you wouldn\u2019t otherwise do, with crew you wouldn\u2019t otherwise take. When the time is right to make the transition:<\/p>\n
Make sure you\u2019re comfortable skippering smaller yachts before going over 45ft
\nTake another competent sailor with you, don\u2019t throw yourself in the deep end with a bigger boat and a novice crew
\nIncrease the size of yacht incrementally
\nGet some experience crewing on a larger yacht with a professional skipper to learn some of the techniques first-hand
\nIf you buy a bigger yacht, invest in some own-boat tuition from an instructor with large yacht experience to help you learn the boat and build skills and confidence<\/p>\n
If you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/p>\n
Yachting World is the world\u2019s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.<\/p>\n
Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.<\/p>\n
The post Boathandling masterclass: how to handle large yachts appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Rachael Sprot talks through her top hints and tips on handling large yachts, which are becoming more popular in both private ownership and the charter marketIf there\u2019s one trend that\u2019s true across all areas of sailing, it\u2019s that large yachts … <\/p>\n