Reefing

[wayneR]

reefing C22

Given your set-up, maybe you shouldn't be out over 20 knots. A single reefed main without a jib would be ok at 20 knots. It would be better with a storm jib or very small working jib. Storm jib and reefed main should be good control up to 25 knots; maybe 30. Spend the bucks and get a roller furling jib. It won't set as well as a storm jib but will keep you off the foredeck and give you control. Your present jib can probably be recut for roller furling. Get a good furling unit: Harkin, Profurl, Schaefer. You could also have a second set of reef points added to your main. Ask a couple of sailmakers for an estimate. Good winter project and will save you money if you do it then. Good luck, Wayne R

 

[wayneR]

heaving too

Heaving to is pretty easy when tacking with a small jib. Just tack the boat but don't change the jib sheet. Jib will back-wind as main fills. Then head into jib. Jib and rudder should balance; fighting each other and boat almost come to a stop. You should make 1/2 to 1 knot to leeward and wheel or tiller can be locked in place keeping you into the wind. You can then fix things, go to the head, whatever. Preferred to do this on starboard tack so that you have right of way over port tack vessels.

 

[wayneR]

crazy

This isn't very good. Sooner or later you are going to get into too much wind. Get the main rigged for a reef. Until then learn to use the traveller let down to leeward to depower the main (you do have a traveller don't you?). Good luck.

 

[Kevin]

Weather Helm

AnchorDown: One of the reasons for the excess weather helm is excessive heeling - control that and much of the problem goes away - at least on the J22 that I sail.Whitecaps everywhere on the lake - a J22 with the jib on the foredeck, a reefed main - and Whitecap Jeff (age 9) at the helm - Dad at the sheet and traveller - now that's sailin!I think that with the J22 - if it got worse, I could go either double reef on the main, or jib only. I have been playing with the latter in 10-15 kt winds just to get the feel of it. Sails and tacks OK, makes reasonably upwind. I don't know what happens in a chop - I think I'd prefer the double reefed main if I needed to make to weather.A lot depends upon the boat, its balance, how big the headsail is - on a J22 - the class jib is so small it would probably do as a storm jib - if a double reef main was ever too much - I'd sure try it & do practice it in lesser winds.You won't catch me admitting it - but I once bailed out with the iron storm sail to keep my crew happy!

 

[Bob Todd]

As I only have one sail...

...I reef it... ;DCheers,Bob

 

[PAC]

Raise the 155 drop the Code Zero

Seriously, assuming close reach to beam reach:1. sheet jib to toerail (should be there already, but sometimes I get lazy)2. flatten main3. 1st reef in main4. 2nd reef in main5. partially furl jib (ugly!! I may skip this step)6. drop main (if not too close a reach)7. Unfurl iron genny, and furl jib..and feather up between steps.

 

[Richard]

stormy winds etc

Whats a traveller?

 

[scott]

none

read farley's response 7/30or8/1

 

[ex-admin]

Final results

Final results for the Quick Quiz ending August 7, 2005:When it's time to reef I...51% Reef the mainsail first31% Reef the headsail first12% Sail under mainsail or headsail alone07% Use a smaller headsail1,114 owners responding

 

[Ross Boyd]

Enough sailing

With the bad weather and course changes required to make port we had enough sailing for that day. With enough power from the diesel to maintain heading into the wind the Main Mate, not wanting to have me leave the tiller, took down the jib and then the main. With the sails secured we continued on course, the crew much happier for it.