Life aboard the WTP changes when we have a large amount of heel (as is usually the case when we are sailing upwind), and conditions below deck can become interesting. We have come up with a list of the advantages of leaning to the right on port tack versus leaning to the left on starboard tack. This list can also be read as a list of disadvantages of being on the opposite tack, but we like to think of the glass as being half full.
Advantages of Port Tack (Heeling to Starboard):
+Cooking is easier- you are pushed up against the galley instead backwards onto the table.
+Sleeping in the V-berth (Me), and starboard side quarter berth (Alan). We are pushed up against the hull, instead of rolling out of bed.
+Sleeping in the port side quarter berth (Adam). Adam sleeps with his guitar case and says that the dynamic is less complicated on port tack.
+Using the main navigation compass. There is a little yellow stick on the starboard side of the compass which lets you sit on the windward side of the cockpit and still accurately read your magnetic heading.
+The depth sensor for our fish finder is mounted on the port side of the boat, which means that we get deeper depth readings when we are heeled to starboard. We do the mental math to account for this, but for some reason it's more comforting to read 10 feet than 7 feet. I think it's kind of like setting your alarm clock fast.
+Accessing cans of food is easier (they don't fly out of their cabinets).
+We seem to catch more fish on port tack. Probably just chance, but worth a mention.
+Climbing up the ladder to get on deck is easier.
+Variety. At a calm anchorage or dock, we naturally list a little to port.
Advantages of Starboard Tack (Heeling to Port):
+Sitting on the setee (dining room table couch). The food hammocks are not leaning over your head.
+Using the head (bathroom). This one is hard to over-emphasize.
Being able to pump water into the toilet and not have to worry as much about chaotic overflow is huge. Adrenaline rushes are best left out of the bathroom.
+Being on starboard tack gives you right-of-way over other sailing vessels that are on port tack. This was a key consideration in college dinghy racing and continues to be important for big boats.
+The window leak in the V-berth runs the seawater onto the stored sails, instead of my bed and clothes. Another big up to starboard tack, but hopefully this problem will be rectified soon and will cease to be a factor (more on this in a future post).
+The galley sink does not fill with water when the seacock is open.
+The chart plotter is easier to see.
Adam and Alan prefer port tack; I think at this point it's still a toss-up. We all agree that a fairly even keel is ideal.
PS- Please pardon my terrible handwriting and simplified picture of the boat. I was wrong when I thought I would never have to reveal my penmanship when using a blog. Also, we were at a wavy anchorage when I drew it.