Hobie Cat Forums

I have only taken my new TI out twice and both times in strong wind. In early Feb I was in Matagorda Bay, sailing from the rear seat in 18 mph and this last Sunday in Canyon Lake with wind 20+ and whitecaps.
What is the best gauge for reefing the sale? Pull back until the downwind ama stays above water is my guess?

Also, I tried sailing from the front seat on Sunday and found I was loosing rudder authority and the bow would turn into the wind. Am I doing something wrong?

I read enough in the forum to expect a wet ride but still underestimated the amount of water coming into the cockpit and how much the bow punches under the wave not over it, especially when sailing from the front seat. This probably explains the amount of water in the hull after three hours; coming in through the front hatch seal?

I understand the purpose of the plastic shear bolt on the aka avoiding damage in a collision, but has anyone experienced one of these breaking in high wind when the ama disappears way under the water and the pucker factor knows you have pushed just a little too far!

As you may have read, most of us sail the TI solo from the rear seat. You may have to extend the reefing line and tie it to the main sheet so you don't lose the end.
Probably the biggest reason for rear seat is avoiding pitch pole. I have broken the lee aka bolt when I collided with another TI but the capsize was easy to recover from. A pitch pole would probably cause some damage.
You will also read a consensus that completely burrying the lee ama actually slows down the TI. Try it yourself and you will probably find the TI will be faster with a reefed sail to raise the ama. This will also reduce the stress on the aka although I haven't read of someone breaking the sheer bolt through burying the ama. Probably quite possible though.
I have sailed solo from the front but not in high winds although it makes sense that you would lose rudder authority. Fortunately the TI has weather helm and rounds up into the wind when overpowered. Unfortunately, that was where the other TI was when I was overpowered. I still believe in the nylon bolt though as there was no damage to either craft, just my ego.
Cheers,
Brian