Big weather sailing on headsail only?

cephius (Dave) · Feb 29, 2012

On my fractional rig I use both sails. I reef the main and get it as flat a possible. I furl the jib as needed. I can't point if I don't have some jib and I can't keep any course upwind without the main.

I also stay tuned with a Loos gauge.

sinnettc · Feb 29, 2012

We don't usually have big waves on the lake so I can't speak to that part. I've got a 15/16 tall (fractional) rig. Our progression is 135% & full main, then 98% and full main, then 98% and reefed main, then main only, then 98% only. The boat does fairly well in all of those configurations though it definitely doesn't point as well without the jib. I've done >5 kts with just the reefed main and >4 with just the 98% jib.

rgranger · Mar 1, 2012

I find that my boat sails better if I leave the main up but put two reef in it and ease the sheet A LOT. Then I hank on my 50% jib. I think the jib is doing most of the work but without the main, I get lee helm issues.

inarathree · Mar 1, 2012

Balancing between too much sail and keeping enough power for the waves is the real trick there. On most modern full rig boats, I believe the power is drawn from the headsail. You didn't say, but I believe the SJ23 is a full rig. I am trying to remember, as my slip neighbor is an SJ23. Since I have a full rig, I tend to reef(furl) my headsail first. Since I have a 150, I usually reef to 100%. Next I would reef my mainsail. After that I keep reefing the headsail, till its gone. Although, with the combination of heavy air and heavy waves, you would want more headsail than normal to help power through waves. In those conditions, you let out your vang to increase the twist of the main, dumping more wind out of it.

DannyS · Mar 1, 2012

I'm out of your size range, but a few years ago, I bought an ATN Gale Sail that I love to fly when the wind pipes up. I bought it with the thought that it would help me put off buying a new headsail which we desperately need. I always hated using the roller furling to reef so this way I just roll it up and hank this on. Normally I'll reef the main once, then if still overpowered, double reef the main but normally if I'm double reefed in the main, the 150% is too much so I go to the Gale Sail. The boat stands up tall and moves along really well. I've sailed in winds 25 to 30 knots with this setup and had a blast with not a white knuckle in sight!

justsomeguy · Mar 1, 2012

Well, fractional or masthead, only downwind. Works fine.

gjaffess · Mar 2, 2012

I have an O'Day 27 that I single handle most of the time on nantucket Sound. The headsail is roller furling so it is very easy to let out the headsail and bring it in in heavy winds. It is hard to raise and lower the main and reef it when I am alone. The boat sails very well on the headsail alone and it makes for a relaxing day with no stress.

rgranger · Mar 2, 2012

for me... only running before a T-storm. Port was in front of me, the storm behind....

The boat handled well but I was running. I'm guessing on a reach I would have had significant lee helm. My boat is a swing keel. The keel is very narrow and relatively deep drafted so it acts like a pivot.

tsheie · Mar 2, 2012

For example, with 135 jib only in 20-25kts with 4-6' waves on Lake Superior, we could barely maintain enough boatspeed to tack across.. tough conditions for sure, and was much better with no headsail and double-reefed main only..

kenn · Mar 3, 2012

We have a fractional rig on our little boat. Last year we discovered how pleasant it is to broad-reach or run on foresail only - our 135% genoa when under about 12 kt, a standard jib when windier.

In both cases the boat calms right down, seems to synchronize better with the waves, and no danger of accidental gybes. Highly recommended for a relaxing downwind run when you're not in a hurry.

In a small boat you need to reef down early. We'll choose the std jib and one mainsail reef if it's likely to be much over 12 kt.I've been out in conditions of 20-25 kt, and if properly reefed, it's fast but safe.

MrBill_FLL · Mar 6, 2012

macgregor 26 waterbalast, sailed in 3-5' 20knts gusts to 25. on reefed main only, fine. (vang, no travler), and only 1 set of reef points, (or 2nd reef).

much prefer reefed main, to headsail. only issue is tacking, you can get stuck in irons... if you don't have momentum and time it right.

inarathree · Mar 6, 2012

Ray Bowles said:
What I wanted to find out is if anyone had sailed on the headsail only? No mainsail. That is what we have been doing these last 2 years and it has been amazing.
My SJ 23 is a masthead, or full rig rather than a fractional rig.
Thanks for your replies, Ray

Yes, I have been out many times, on my H22 with just the headsail. As well as out on a C-27 and C-30 where we just sailed by headsail alone. I changed my sailing once I got a furled for my headsail. Knowing what I know now, I would do the same on the 27 and 30 since they both had furlers.

Jon_E · Mar 15, 2012

Ray Bowles said:
What I wanted to find out is if anyone had sailed on the headsail only? No mainsail.

Every reef on the main moves the sail plan forward. That helps the boat point up better. It also helps stability in rough seas.

You should sail faster with just the headsail, but you may experience greater roll in the high waves and you may not be able to point as high. Note the posts here that talk about running or broad reaching with headsail only. BTW - It helps if you have a back-stay adjuster to pick up tension when using only a headsail.

This is a generalization. Different models perform differently. I have no direct experience with an H22 or SJ23.