PDQ Yachts 36 Capella Owner's Manual page 31

Cruising Under Sail 6-3
(Continued)
Closed-hauled
Each PDQ Antares hull is a symmetrical "torpedo" with a long keel. The hulls track
well and cut through surface chop, so you will find that you can sail at 30-33 degrees
apparent wind angle (in other words, hard on the wind). But, if you want to increase
NMG (velocity made good) upwind, you will bear off, ease the sails slightly and
increase speed by a third. Of course, while you won't appear to be pointing well, you
will be conformably first to the weather mark! Remember, then don't pinch your PDQ
Antares – the traveler should never be above the centerline, unless the wind is light and
the sheet is eased. Relax, bear off, ease off and move!
Spinnakers
Spinnakers are generally not considered to be a cruising sail for monohulls because of
the complexity of the pole and the high guy loads. On a catamaran, you can use one
quite simply.
The gear is simple; turning blocks on the aft quarter of each hull is snatch blocks at each
bow. Forget the pole. The sail is tacked to the guy (which is led from the windward
bow)
and sheeted to the opposite stern. The width of the boat makes control relatively easy.
If you can, borrow a sail and try it. An asymmetric chute (often known as a "cruising
chute") with a sock or snuffer is ideal. (See SP-01-01 in the Appendix)
Safety for Conditions
Catamarans are inherently sensitive both to weight and to weight distribution. The
PDQ Antares is designed to carry a load of people, their food, baggage of
approximately 2,000lbs, evenly distributed through the vessel. Large quantities of
personal effects and stores can seriously effect the gross weight. This is of little
consequence while at the dock or while making a Sunday afternoon trip around the
harbour with a group on board. For longer passages, you should exercise good
PDQ 36 Capella - Owner's Manual