Yesterday, we were sailing in 20-25 knot winds from the SW. I had a full main up and about 2/3 - 3/4 of my 155 genoa showing. The wave action made the ride a bit bumpy, but we had a great time. We shot across the lake a few times with the spray keeping us cool in the summer heat. At the end of the run, went upwind to bring the sails in, however had a tougher time with the stronger winds. The jenny was all over the place along with the sheets flailing everywhere. Made it a bit interesting and received a rope burn or two. Also, the boat kept wanting to bear off. We rolled the sail in OK, but I wanted to make the process a bit better. I've been going over this in my mind looking for improvements. I have some ideas, however I thought I would get some other opinions. My headsail is a 155 on a roller furler. Question: what is your process to douse a sail as this in windier conditions? In advance, thank you very much for your time. Steve Growcock St. Louis, MO
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
J
Jim B
This is what I do
Steve I have an ODay 25 with a Harken reefing furling system and a 150 genoa. I always furl the genoa before heading up into the wind, usually on a close reach. My logic is that this keeps the sail out of the rigging and the main steals some of the wind away keeping the genoa from flogging around so much. I make sure both jib sheets are released but I use the working sheet to steady the sail a bit. Once the jib is furled I drop the motor head up into the wind and drop the main.I was out on Carlyle that day also, the furling line required a pretty good tug. I just kind of worked this process out on my own, so I would me interested to know if anyone has better ideas.
Steve I have an ODay 25 with a Harken reefing furling system and a 150 genoa. I always furl the genoa before heading up into the wind, usually on a close reach. My logic is that this keeps the sail out of the rigging and the main steals some of the wind away keeping the genoa from flogging around so much. I make sure both jib sheets are released but I use the working sheet to steady the sail a bit. Once the jib is furled I drop the motor head up into the wind and drop the main.I was out on Carlyle that day also, the furling line required a pretty good tug. I just kind of worked this process out on my own, so I would me interested to know if anyone has better ideas.
D
Don
Dousing in a Wind
Steve, under these conditions I usually bring the boat just almost to a stall, but not quite luffing. As Jim mentions you want a bit of wind pressure on the genny so that it rolls in relatively tight and flat. Your RF should be able to work against a bit of wind pressure. Its a balancing act and it helps to have a partner keep the boat just off the wind. If I'm out by myself, I will either try to get out of the main blast of the wind before rolling in the genny, or I steer with my feet or keep the tiller between my knees while hauling in the RF line. Don
Steve, under these conditions I usually bring the boat just almost to a stall, but not quite luffing. As Jim mentions you want a bit of wind pressure on the genny so that it rolls in relatively tight and flat. Your RF should be able to work against a bit of wind pressure. Its a balancing act and it helps to have a partner keep the boat just off the wind. If I'm out by myself, I will either try to get out of the main blast of the wind before rolling in the genny, or I steer with my feet or keep the tiller between my knees while hauling in the RF line. Don
S
Steve Growcock
Jim and Don...thanks
I appreciate your responses. Previously, my attempts were more successful as I kept more pressure on the jib during the furling sequence. Saturday, I was attempting what Don suggested, finding that balance point. Not quite there yet. But will give it another go. I just need that third arm that comes in handy for sailing and parenting. Again, thank you both. Jim, perhaps I'll see you on the Lake Carlyle. Just look for an O'Day 25 named "mojo" that has an extremely well rolled headsail. Always my best. Steve Growcock
I appreciate your responses. Previously, my attempts were more successful as I kept more pressure on the jib during the furling sequence. Saturday, I was attempting what Don suggested, finding that balance point. Not quite there yet. But will give it another go. I just need that third arm that comes in handy for sailing and parenting. Again, thank you both. Jim, perhaps I'll see you on the Lake Carlyle. Just look for an O'Day 25 named "mojo" that has an extremely well rolled headsail. Always my best. Steve Growcock
V
Vic
When it is really windy I often haul in the jib
going down wind withth jib blanketed somewhat behind the main. Seems to have more contol that way as you can vary the pressure on it depending on your heading. And definitely don't just release the sheets and let it fly ... vic
going down wind withth jib blanketed somewhat behind the main. Seems to have more contol that way as you can vary the pressure on it depending on your heading. And definitely don't just release the sheets and let it fly ... vic
T
Tom Ehmke
Agree with Don and Jim, but one more thing
I use a tiller tamer to hold the boat on a close-hauled course while I furl the 155 jenny on my 272. Always works well. The tiller tamer (or any other automatic or manual tiller control) becomes your third arm. I do a lot of single-handing and am able to drop the main and furl it (in a mangled sort of fashion) using the tiller tamer to hold a course. I can do this in less than a minute using one sail tie to hold the rolled up main on the boom. I then do a final flake job on the main after I get to the slip or anchorage. Hope this helps, Tom
I use a tiller tamer to hold the boat on a close-hauled course while I furl the 155 jenny on my 272. Always works well. The tiller tamer (or any other automatic or manual tiller control) becomes your third arm. I do a lot of single-handing and am able to drop the main and furl it (in a mangled sort of fashion) using the tiller tamer to hold a course. I can do this in less than a minute using one sail tie to hold the rolled up main on the boom. I then do a final flake job on the main after I get to the slip or anchorage. Hope this helps, Tom
S
Steve Growcock
Thanks Tom Ehmke...
You know, I've been thinking about getting a tamer for some time, just haven't done it. I forget all the simple things in lieu of all the big projects I have on the plate. From the West Marine website, the tamer is only a $25 item. Tom, your recommendation is just the push I need to get this done. Thank you. Of course, this makes me think of all the little things I need to get done around the house. The door is opened... Steve!
You know, I've been thinking about getting a tamer for some time, just haven't done it. I forget all the simple things in lieu of all the big projects I have on the plate. From the West Marine website, the tamer is only a $25 item. Tom, your recommendation is just the push I need to get this done. Thank you. Of course, this makes me think of all the little things I need to get done around the house. The door is opened... Steve!
- Status
- Not open for further replies.