Heave to
When to use:
To slow the boat, to repair a damage, to change crew positions, to calm your nerves, to drink some tea or eat a chocolate.
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Technique for a Vagabond at the lake:
Preferably on a close hauled port course.
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Skipper command: "Ready to heave to?"
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Crew reply (AFTER looking about): "Ready!"
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Skipper: "Heaving to!" while you push the tiller decisively away from you as when tacking.
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Crew doesn't touch the jib.
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When the boom moves across, the skipper brings the tiller back to the middle and eases the main sheet.
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The crew can move over and balance the boat.
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The skipper doesn't change position and slowly, slowly pulls the tiller towards them all the way. You can jam the tiller in position with the tiller extension.
You are now on a starboard course, but you are drifting and must give right of way. Enjoy your tea :)
Final Heave to position: jib is backed, main is eased, rudder points into the same direction as jib.
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Getting out of Heave to:
Move your body to windward, bring the tiller into the middle, ask the crew to set the jib to the correct side. Happy sailing.
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