Coverting old hanking headsail for furler

[Vega1447]

Hi.
In conditions when I need one (or two) reefs in my slab-reefed mainsail
my headsail (which is about 130% I reckon - ie comes well aft of mast)
is too much and needs to be furled a bit so reducing pointing ability a lot.

Nothing new so far!

Question:
I have a old (but in good condition) hanking headsail. I have fitted
slugs so it can run up the slot for the furling headsail.

It is a heavy sail and is a lot smaller so I'd like to use it when wind
is (say) F4 or more.

I can use the sail with existing jib halyard no problem.

BUT: I'd like to be able to furl it for safety reasons as I often sail
singlehanded.

My furling headsail has a heavy webbing strop at the foot that attaches
to a shackle on the furling drum for the purpose - the old sail
obviously doesn't.

Would a long shackle through the cringle at foot do the job - is there a
better way?

Or is it a BAD IDEA?

Thanks for any tips,

John

Vega 1447 Breakaway
--
John A. Kinsella Ph: +353-61-202148 (Direct)
+353-61-333644 x 2148 (Switch)
Mathematics Dept. e-mail: John.Kinsella@...
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[stevebirch2002]

Hi John

How about a small strop with a shackle at the end to attach to the tack?


Cheers

Steve Birch (Technical)

 

[Vega1447]

Thanks Steve,

I was just checking that there wasn't a reason not to re-cycle my old
hanking headsail.

I am advised that it is important to keep the swivle (or whatever it is
called) that attaches to peak of headsail at same height to avoid forestay
un-twisting (ie the lay of the wire opening).

Is this a well known issue - or am I ill-informed?

Thanks

John
Vega 1447 Breakaway