O’Day 192 Jib only sailing

[Squidward]

Hi Folks,

Does anybody sail their 192 jib only once in a while? Is it safe in mild-moderate winds?
Just getting back into sailing, it’s been a while. When you Google jib only, the first article that comes up is ugly.
Looking for real 192 experience. I’ll admit I’m a whimp getting back on the horse. Lol

Thank you Joe

 

[rswift]

We've done that in light winds. We call that a cocktail cruise. If it's only a light wind, we don't bother uncovering the main. Just "float" around and cruise in with a refreshment post sail.

 

[rschuss]

I have a friend who does that, jib sail. Seems to me to put extra strain on the unbalanced rig. On a 192 I guess nothing will get damaged, but my take is it is difficult to get where I want to go. I always have a destination. Doesn't the tiller feel strange?

 

[Squidward]

Thank you Folks! Kind of what I was thinking light winds around the harbor. Can’t wait to get out at Kittery Point, ME

 

[Philly2DC2LBI]

Funny, I do the opposite with my javelin - strong winds if I’m alone especially, I’ll do main only, no jib. Little less power and slower tacks.

 

[pgandw]

I find the Mariner (ODay's 1st 19ft minicruiser) will heave to quite nicely under jib alone. Mariner has a 3/4 rig, so jib is relatively small, with a large main. Simply raise the jib, sheet hard to windward side, rudder to leeward (tiller clutch helps hold the rudder nicely). Take time to do chores, then leisurely raise main partially in backwind of the jib. Very effective for single handing, but not all small boats heave to well.

Cannot go to windward under jib alone, only downwind to broad reach (at best). But I do sometimes dock with jib alone if approaching with the wind aft. Jib downhaul in hand to douse jib quickly.

Fred W