Sail Inventory...
Paul, If you're going to be out in open water for a planned trip, you're definitely going to need a contignecy plan if the winds start to pick up. That plan may include waiting for a weather window if the forecast looks bad, planning on using your motor, or carrying sails that are appropriate for all expected wind conditions. I'd vote for the latter. I have a C-30 and I carry a 100% working jib and a 150% genoa and a cruising spinnaker. I've found that the jib & genny can be reefed about 10% if the wind kicks up. In other words my 150 will reef down to a 135 and still hold a decent shape. I can't point quite as high, but it still is adequate. I'd recommend getting a 100% sail if you can budget for it. Perhaps consider a used one. Our boats have a similar design in that they perform well with a small headsail and a reefed main (or no main at all) when the wind kicks up. I'd be curious to hear from others about the gale sail. I've seen it & it's probably a good sail to keep aboard. If I remember correctly, it's not that expensive either. My concern would be how often I'd use it. I've been in 35 to 40 knots on Cape Cod Bay with a reefed jib & no main and it was fine. Little or no weather helm, sailing at hull speed. The seas were about 6 to 8' across the starboard beam, but overall the motion of the boat was surprisingly comfortable. At what point would I have needed the gale sail? 50 knots?? I just don't see me ever having to be out in conditions like that. If you think you will on this trip, then you should get it. As for the other options on your contingency plan, the motor isn't the best option. If you have to motor with wind & seas on the nose, you're going to go very slow. As for the weather window approach, that's inadequate too. Forecasts can change (or can be just plain wrong) and you can get caught unprepared. Besides, with the right sails 25 knots of wind can be just plain fun. I'd hate to miss out on a day of hull-speed sailing because my sail inventory couldn't acomodate it. Just my 2 cents. Good luck with the trip!!! Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff C-30 Hull# 632
