OUYANG MATILDA 20 Owner's Manual page 9

GENERAL SAILING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MATILDA 20
A. LIGHT WINDS
In light wind it is difficult to sail to windward very tightly close
hauled. It does not produce drive in the boat. Sails should then be
eased off considerably including the boom vang in order to beat to
windward without drifting. Crew weight on leeward side to give slight
heel might help.
Leave keel half down on this tack.
In lights airs, MATILDA 20 does fairly well in a beam reach with main
and genoa. In a Force 3 breeze, one would make about 4 knots and in a
Force 5 possible 7 knots. Leave keel half down.
B. MEDIUM WINDS
Perhaps this condition would be most suitable to skipper and crew. As
the wind force increases, so does the MATILDA 20 ability to point. One
may have to lower the keel all the way down. The MATILDA 20 will run
very well in about a force 5 and one would make about 8 knots. On this
tack, the MATILDA 20 will get up and plane very easily. One can have the
board all the way up and the MATILDA 20 will 'track' well with no yaw,
pitch, or roll.
C. HEAVY WINDS
The MATILDA 20 is an extremely stable and dry boat. Sailing close-hauled
to windward in heavy weather is not good practice as the boat will not
make good time due to sudden wind shifts resulting in a zig zag
performance.
Broad reaching in heavy weather would be very exciting and one could
easily plane the MATILDA 20 safely. The keel would preferably be a
quarter way down to cut down any pressure on the rudder. It is necessary
to move crew weight aft.
A dead run in this wind condition requires skill in order to keep the
boat under control while planing. Accidental jibing could occur from
one, tack to another. It is therefore good practice to sail slightly off
the dead run course on one tack and when able, jibe to opposite tack in
order to stay on course as close as possible.
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