Gusting conditions – Raymarine autopilot + ST4000+ User Manual
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Chapter 2: Basic Operation
11
2
1. Note the required new heading.
2. Select standby for manual steering, so you can bring the boat to
the new heading MANUALLY.
3. Select auto: allow the boat to settle onto course, then bring the
boat to the final course in 1° steps using the -1 or +1 keys
Gusting conditions
In gusting conditions, the course may tend to wander slightly,
particularly if the sails are badly balanced. If you take the following
precautions, the autopilot will be able to maintain competent control
even in gale force conditions:
•
You can significantly improve course keeping by improving the
sail balance:
•
do not allow the boat to heel over excessively
•
ease the mainsheet traveller to leeward to reduce heeling and
weather helm
•
if necessary, reef the mainsail a little early
•
In very strong winds and large seas, you should avoid sailing with
the wind dead astern:
•
ideally, bring the wind at least 30° away from a dead run
•
in severe conditions, you may also need to remove the
mainsail and sail under headsail only