"Gale-Sail"

[RonD]

I always see advertisement for the "Gale Sail," a storm jib that bends on over the roller-furled jib. They claim a positive endorsement from "Practical Sailor" magazine, etc.I'm wondering if anyone out there has actually used this and what their reactions (pro/con) are.Just looking at their photos, I'd be concerned about: (a) launching that sail under the rough weather conditions you'd want to use it in, (b) chafe from that luff-sleeve acting on the furled jib, and (c) how effective the sail might be shaded by the furled jib in front of it disturbing the airflow over the luff. --Ron

 

[Robert Moretti]

Gale sail issues

I bought one of the Gale sails for my C30 last year. I've raised the sail, but haven't used it yet. From what I can tell so far:1. The sail is quite stiff, and hanking it on is therefore more difficult. If you have room to stand in front of the headstay, leaning on the pulpit, it will probably be easier.2. There is very little chafe on the furled jib. The sail is designed with a big sleeve that fits over the furled jib. It was easy to raise, e.g., little friction.3. Because the luff of the sail is a sleeve that fits over the furled jib, there isn't much "shading" of the sail by the furled jib. Besides, in high winds, I don't think you will be so concerned about perfect airflow over the sail.

 

[RonD]

Further Q...

RobertTnx for the reply.How do these sails hank on? My concern was that in rough weather when you might need the Gale Sail, that's not the time I'd want to be hanging out in the pulpit struggling with a stiff sail.My C320 has a pre-reeved spinaker halyard. Would that be too light, i.e., does the Gale-Sail require a certain working load greater than a spinnaker would?I've sailed my C320 in 30-32 knts with the 135% Genoa reefed in to about 90-100%. It certainly wasn't as efficient upwind, but it certainly powered the boat well enough. At what wind speed or wx conditions would you switch over to the Gale-Sail? You must have had something in mind when you bought it. My thinking was that on a longer coastal passage in heavy air (had one of those this past July), using the Gale-Sail might reduce the stresses on a furled jib, extending its life.Finally, any recommended places to purchase these sails at a discount?--RonC320 #831, "Lady Jane"

 

[Tom]

Any recommended places to purchase these sails at

Boat shows seem to be the best discount for ATN products. Either that or try calling Defender Industries www.defenderus.com