Sailing a Cape Cod Mercury with no Jib and No Rudder: Sailing Backwards
	Sailing Backwards is initiated by backing the main. Once the boat is in motion backwards, steering is accomplished by the heel of the boat just as it is when sailing forwards. The leeward heel (turning upwind) can be increased by holding the boom closer to the boat centerline but not so close as to reduce backwards thrust action in the sail. As wind speed increases, sailing backwards becomes increasingly difficult as the backed main produces more leeward heel, reaching a point where the boat capsizes to leeward before a backwards tack is established. The sailor's weight is best positioned on the transom to leeward of the boom. This gives greater leverage for maintaining the boom in a backed position. Also, windward heel (turning downwind) can be increased by trapezing out on the extended boom. When turning upwind, awareness of how close the sail is to jibing is necessary to prevent or prepare for a backwards to forwards jibe. Aborting a backwards to forwards jibe is accomplished by letting out the sail (before it jibes) on the same tack to produce forward motion of the boat on a downwind beam reach (close hauled on a backwards tack is broad reach on a forward tack). With increased wind the tendency is for increased leeward heel making the stern turn upwind. Unchecked, this results in a backwards to forwards jibe as the stern approaches the eye of the wind. The result is a spin where the boat rotates quickly through 90 degrees to power up on a beam reach on the opposite tack going forwards. Apply windward weight to keep the bow from rounding further upwind into irons. This can be a violent jibe and care must be taken that the boom is free to fully extend against the stay (as is desired in a normal forward to forward jibe). Of primary concern, the sailor needs to be out of the way or to lee of the boom while approaching the backwards to forwards jibe. Other tips include minimizing the length of the main sheet by holding the sheet between the two last pulleys so as to form a loop. This halves the length of line which can snag. Also, flake the main sheet so it can be jettisoned to windward on jibe, minimizing any possibility of it getting caught. With care, the backwards to forwards jibe will not result in capsize as the boat speed is close to zero when the centerboard is spinning, minimizing any tendency to "trip".  If the boat slows too much, the stalled centerboard will produce eddies swirling to windward. Proper boat speed results in a trail of bubbles from each side of the boat. Photo sequence of backwards sailing Back to home page Copyright Phil Rossoni 9/1/2004