T&T: Steadying sails

[Faure, Marin]

>But I fear that you have misunderstood the thrust of my post. Steadying
sails work best when there is considerable wind pressure against the
sail.

No, I understood what you were saying regarding the effect of wind
pressure on the sail.  But apparently this is of little effect with the
small area of sail that can be carried on a typical, high-windage
trawler like a GB.  Of course there will be SOME effect.  But the
original question was is it worth the time, effort, and money to install
a steady sail on a typical trawler-type boat?  From what I have heard
from the owners of GBs with steady sails, the stabilizing effect in a
beam sea/wind is not much at best and not noticeable at worst.  So the
primary benefit (besides looking cool if you like the look) of the sail
is to reduce hunting on a mooring or at anchor.  If this is something
you frequently encounter in the waters where you moor or anchor, then
the steady sail could be worth installing. Otherwise it's a hood
ornament :-)

______________________________
C. Marin Faure
GB36-403 "La Perouse"
Bellingham, Washington