I have 1988 Cataline 30, Tall Rig, which I sail on Lake Texoma. While the lake remains "flat" even in high winds, we do get some stiff breezes on occasion. I have had this boat for about 11 months. I know that these boats prefer to sail level more than at a jaunty angle. Usually I take in a reef or two when the winds get over 15 Knots. I also reef the genoa on my roller furling. I've been sailing several times when the wind speed is a steady 20 knots with gusts to 25 or 27. I've reduced sail to just a full main or a reefed main when these conditions exist and no headsail or jib. Naturally I lose some pointing ability and the steering is not as responsive. I've noticed several boats sailing under no main and just a genoa. Here's my question. Under high wind conditions, is it better to sail with no main and just a genoa or smaller jib, or with just a main and no jib? I'm looking for advice and seasoned wisdom for a new keel boat sailor. All responses will be welcomed.
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Rob R.
My two cents...
Hey Tex - In high wind (25 kts or so), I like to go to the main only config if I am using only one sail. Here is my reasoning. With the main only, the force vector of the main concentrates the drive of the sail on the center-aft portion of the boat. True, you won't point as high as you do with both sails, but I feel as though you can point higher under main alone than under jib alone. The jib sail tends to "pull" the bow away from the wind, killing its pointing ability. Also, I find I am usually single handing if sailing with only one sail, so handling the main is much easier than handling the jib. If you mis-time the tack in high wind, it can be damned hard to get a jib back in while staying on course and helming. The best config, as I was told by a sailor on this site (and then tested myself) is to keep the rig balanced, with both sails heavily reefed. He was certainly right. My tall rig does best with a reefed main and about 80-90 percent jib. The roller furler tends to bunch a bit at this setting, but to be brutally honest without sounding like a wuss, I don't care if I lose a bit of power when the wind is screaming about at 30 kts. So, that's my opinion, but you know what they say about opinions.... Best of Luck, Rob Lake Travis, Austin Texas
Hey Tex - In high wind (25 kts or so), I like to go to the main only config if I am using only one sail. Here is my reasoning. With the main only, the force vector of the main concentrates the drive of the sail on the center-aft portion of the boat. True, you won't point as high as you do with both sails, but I feel as though you can point higher under main alone than under jib alone. The jib sail tends to "pull" the bow away from the wind, killing its pointing ability. Also, I find I am usually single handing if sailing with only one sail, so handling the main is much easier than handling the jib. If you mis-time the tack in high wind, it can be damned hard to get a jib back in while staying on course and helming. The best config, as I was told by a sailor on this site (and then tested myself) is to keep the rig balanced, with both sails heavily reefed. He was certainly right. My tall rig does best with a reefed main and about 80-90 percent jib. The roller furler tends to bunch a bit at this setting, but to be brutally honest without sounding like a wuss, I don't care if I lose a bit of power when the wind is screaming about at 30 kts. So, that's my opinion, but you know what they say about opinions.... Best of Luck, Rob Lake Travis, Austin Texas
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Bob Sawyer
Another 2 cents worth
Hi, I was out on Narragansett Bay, R.I. Sunday (10/21/01) with small craft warnings. I went out with a friend with much more experience than I with the purpose of learning how to better handle my boat ('74 C27) in high winds (20-30 knots).We took 1 reef on the main and rolled out the genoa to about 3/4 of the way to the mast. It was perfect. What a blast! Prior to this I would control speed (and fear) by going into the wind. This experience gave me the courage to sail in the groove.What I learned is set both your sails, sail it like it was designed, and don't be a wimp. Can't wait for this weekend - I love my C27.
Hi, I was out on Narragansett Bay, R.I. Sunday (10/21/01) with small craft warnings. I went out with a friend with much more experience than I with the purpose of learning how to better handle my boat ('74 C27) in high winds (20-30 knots).We took 1 reef on the main and rolled out the genoa to about 3/4 of the way to the mast. It was perfect. What a blast! Prior to this I would control speed (and fear) by going into the wind. This experience gave me the courage to sail in the groove.What I learned is set both your sails, sail it like it was designed, and don't be a wimp. Can't wait for this weekend - I love my C27.
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Rodger Anderson
Rodger
I sail in the same conditions at lake Ray Hubbard on a cat 27. I find that my boat sails like a dog with the main up alone. More than not o a windy day I have been using just the 130 Jenny and the boat handles just great and stays on it's feet. Give it a try on some of these windy days coming up and see how you and your boat like it. Rodger
I sail in the same conditions at lake Ray Hubbard on a cat 27. I find that my boat sails like a dog with the main up alone. More than not o a windy day I have been using just the 130 Jenny and the boat handles just great and stays on it's feet. Give it a try on some of these windy days coming up and see how you and your boat like it. Rodger
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Rodger Anderson
Rodger
I sail in the same conditions at lake Ray Hubbard on a cat 27. I find that my boat sails like a dog with the main up alone. More than not o a windy day I have been using just the 130 Jenny and the boat handles just great and stays on it's feet. Give it a try on some of these windy days coming up and see how you and your boat like it. Rodger
I sail in the same conditions at lake Ray Hubbard on a cat 27. I find that my boat sails like a dog with the main up alone. More than not o a windy day I have been using just the 130 Jenny and the boat handles just great and stays on it's feet. Give it a try on some of these windy days coming up and see how you and your boat like it. Rodger
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Travers Tapper
Another opinion
Another factor to keep in mind is the pressure on the mast and stays (lowers mainly) when only a head sail is set is not what the designer planned. The main sail provides a great deal of support to the mast even in a reefed set. With the wind blowing strongly the situation is exacerbated when only the headsail is fitted. If the boat balances well with only a headsail set then the heeling caused weather helm must be off set by the drive of the foresail trying to bear off the boat. Still you are putting a lot of unbalanced drive into the stays the net result may be aparent balance but the rig is not happy.
Another factor to keep in mind is the pressure on the mast and stays (lowers mainly) when only a head sail is set is not what the designer planned. The main sail provides a great deal of support to the mast even in a reefed set. With the wind blowing strongly the situation is exacerbated when only the headsail is fitted. If the boat balances well with only a headsail set then the heeling caused weather helm must be off set by the drive of the foresail trying to bear off the boat. Still you are putting a lot of unbalanced drive into the stays the net result may be aparent balance but the rig is not happy.
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Michael McCann
Windspeed 18
Chuck; I think you would be happier with a balanced sail configuration in higher winds. From what I have read over the years (and tried), when you feel like the boat is being over powered, reef the main, if you are still over powered, down size the jib (furl, smaller jib, i.e 110 from 135 etc!). Then go to the second reef point in the main (if available), then go smaller on the jib. This is where hanked on sails are an advantage, rolled up genny's don't shape well. I have sailed a C25 TR this way, and I currently sail a C36. I have tried main alone, and I feel safer with a balanced sail plan. I would never fly a jib only in high winds, unless I really wanted to rid myself of a mast. Mike
Chuck; I think you would be happier with a balanced sail configuration in higher winds. From what I have read over the years (and tried), when you feel like the boat is being over powered, reef the main, if you are still over powered, down size the jib (furl, smaller jib, i.e 110 from 135 etc!). Then go to the second reef point in the main (if available), then go smaller on the jib. This is where hanked on sails are an advantage, rolled up genny's don't shape well. I have sailed a C25 TR this way, and I currently sail a C36. I have tried main alone, and I feel safer with a balanced sail plan. I would never fly a jib only in high winds, unless I really wanted to rid myself of a mast. Mike
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Chuck Kretschmar
Thanks Everyone
Thanks everyone. Apart from the fear factor, I was trying to find an answer to maintaining sail balance and I was concerned about stress on the rigging. I'm going to try the balance, though the lack of sail shape on a jib that is significantly roller furled was of concern too. I want to gain experience in higher winds, so I'll do some experimenting and get back to you. Thanks again for all of your help. Chuck
Thanks everyone. Apart from the fear factor, I was trying to find an answer to maintaining sail balance and I was concerned about stress on the rigging. I'm going to try the balance, though the lack of sail shape on a jib that is significantly roller furled was of concern too. I want to gain experience in higher winds, so I'll do some experimenting and get back to you. Thanks again for all of your help. Chuck
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Roger
MOB
Just one more thought. If you are alone and go overboard with just the genoa up you'll get a great view as your boat heads downwind and sails away. If you are sailing the main, she'll head up and wait for you.
Just one more thought. If you are alone and go overboard with just the genoa up you'll get a great view as your boat heads downwind and sails away. If you are sailing the main, she'll head up and wait for you.
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