Fire up the engine or just enjoy sailing in light wind? Which side of the debate are you on?

Don’t just fire up the engine on a light airs day – make the best of the gentle sailing conditions, says John Simpson

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Whether you enjoy cruising or racing, most of us go sailing for the peace and joy it brings using just the wind to power us along. So unless you are passage-making to a schedule and need to make way under engine, modifying your plans and shortening your expected goal for a really light wind day makes good sense.

It’s all about savouring the conditions – just as you might linger over the last bite of a tasty ice cream, or the last sip of a fine glass of wine.

Several factors need to be taken into consideration on a day of predicted light winds. Mornings are usually dominated by the wind off the land, but later the sea breeze will build if hot sun is expected.

Therefore, an early start would allow use of the land breeze, followed by often quite a short lull before the wind reverses and begins to move again onshore.

Any passage undertaken needs to take this change into account. It might be a good plan to have a late breakfast for instance, or an early lunch, while these conditions are changing. Making sure your chosen destination doesn’t take you more than a mile or so away from the land means you can make best use of these breezes.

It goes without saying that using tide to your advantage is essential on a day when boat speed is likely to be low.

Boat set-up for light wind sailing

Sails need to be set up loose with plenty of slack on halyards, outhaul and kicking strap tension to create sails with bigger draught. Crew weight needs to be to leeward to heel the boat and help sails to fill. Here are some other tips to help maintain momentum:

  • Movement around the boat by the crew should be slow and measured.
  • Light airs sails such as spinnakers – whether conventional, asymmetric or cruising chutes – are hugely helpful downwind but can also be used on beam reaches with careful trimming.
  • Consistent concentration by helmsman and trimmers is necessary to keep any way on the boat. Once way is lost in light airs, it’s hard to regain.
  • Tacks need to be slow and smooth. Backing the jib briefly can help the boat turn through the wind, but don’t overdo it or you’ll lose too much speed.
  • Any holes in the wind must be avoided by looking well ahead, even sailing slightly off course if necessary.

The wonderful feeling of accomplishment that follows any short passage undertaken like this is hard to beat. Don’t just put on the iron topsail (engine) like everyone else: let them moan about the lack of wind, and just enjoy a laid-back and gentle day yourself.

The here and now

Cruising well is all about dealing with the here and now, coming to terms with it and enjoying what you’ve been given each day.

On a light airs trip, you can enjoy the play of light on the sea, adjusting a sail that needs trimming and being able to hear the tiny ripples of the wake as the boat glides along. These are the reasons many of us go cruising in the first place.

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