A sailboat that is described as being “tender” is one that is sensitive to changes in wind and water conditions. In other words, it is prone to easily heel over, or tip to one side, even in light winds, and requires more effort to keep it balanced.
Tenderness is an important characteristic for sailors to consider when choosing a boat. How tender a sailboat is depends on several factors, including its design, weight, size, and the shape of its keel. For instance, sailboats with relatively flat-bottomed hulls and short keels are more prone to heeling over because they offer less resistance to the water. On the other hand, sailboats with deeper keels and narrower hulls are generally less tender.
Having said that, tenderness isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can make a sailboat more responsive to the wind and easier to steer. On the other hand, too much tenderness can make sailing more difficult and unsafe, especially in rough seas or high winds. Sailors need to be aware of their boat’s tenderness and adjust their sail and keel settings accordingly, as well as their own weight placement.
To reduce tenderness, sailors can use a technique called “reefing” which involves reducing the amount of sail exposed to the wind by lowering or partially furling the sails. This reduces the force of the wind on the sails, and makes the boat more stable.
Tenderness is an important consideration for sailors when selecting a sailboat. While tenderness can make a sailboat more responsive to wind and water conditions, it can also make sailing more difficult and dangerous in certain circumstances. Therefore, it is essential to understand a sailboat’s tenderness and take necessary measures to maintain safety and stability while sailing.