Thanks for all of your input! I nearly always learn useful stuff from SBO posts. I rarely bring down the roller-furled headsail for complete inspection but certainly I could inspect the clew and tack every few months. Most of the rest of the boat gets "a once over" at least annually. Of course--the steering quadrant cables, hoses on the thru-hull valves, certain hose clamps, etc., running rigging, and safety gear. I used to have the standing rigging inspected by a rigger (up the mast) every January until he told me that I did not need it so often. But that was back when the boat was less than 10 years old! (Now is 24 yr old.) I've had only one "catastrophic" failure of a sail prior to this. The bolt rope of my OEM mainsail parted while racing once, and of course had to be taken down and repaired. But I've since replaced it.
I dropped off the sail at the local loft yesterday, so it will get inspection and repair. I guess it's time for another general once over. Planning a 14-day trip to the northern Channel Islands in September. Certainly "happy" to have had this happen now, close to home (4 n.mi.), in comparatively "mild" conditions rather than out there. It actually could be rather difficult to bring down the headsail (120% Genoa) in strong wind without control of the clew. The side deck is not that wide (i.e., not much space). Of course the boat would have to lump up into the wind and seas to position the clew over the deck while flagging hard. The clew rides fairly high above the deck, and we're not tall. Just wife and me aboard, so there's that I'm sure you all can imagine. If all goes well, yes--down in maybe less than a minute once the boat is positioned, but a long minute. Furling works only briefly b/c the sail manages to loosen and become partially unfurled even when the furling drum is fully turned and stopped off. Would not wish to go far like that.
KG
I dropped off the sail at the local loft yesterday, so it will get inspection and repair. I guess it's time for another general once over. Planning a 14-day trip to the northern Channel Islands in September. Certainly "happy" to have had this happen now, close to home (4 n.mi.), in comparatively "mild" conditions rather than out there. It actually could be rather difficult to bring down the headsail (120% Genoa) in strong wind without control of the clew. The side deck is not that wide (i.e., not much space). Of course the boat would have to lump up into the wind and seas to position the clew over the deck while flagging hard. The clew rides fairly high above the deck, and we're not tall. Just wife and me aboard, so there's that I'm sure you all can imagine. If all goes well, yes--down in maybe less than a minute once the boat is positioned, but a long minute. Furling works only briefly b/c the sail manages to loosen and become partially unfurled even when the furling drum is fully turned and stopped off. Would not wish to go far like that.
KG
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