Removing Main and Genny

[Carl]

OK, so this is a really dumb question, but can someone give me a simple step-by-step procedure for removing the self-furling Genny(with sheets)and Mainsail on a Catalina 310? I imagine this should bealmost as simple as removing them from my 14.2 but I'd appreciate an experienced skipper's procedure.Thanks!

 

[Tim Dranttel]

Removing the Sails

Carl,The only dumb question is the one not asked!Living in the Panhandle of FL I go through this anytime a hurricane hints at coming this way so here is what I do:To lower the Jenny it helps if you point into the wind.1-Fully unroll the sail2-Release the tension on the halyard but don't let go yet!3-Release the tack of the sail from the shackle at the drum4-If you look at the foil there should be a point about 1 1/2 feet up from the drum where the slot in the foil widens. This is you feed point. Pull the lower portion of the sail below this feed up and out of the foil.5-This gives you enough of the sail to start pulling it down and out of the foil as someone or you gradually payout the halyard.5-Once all the sail is removed disconnect the sail from the upper swivel and then the swivel from the halyard. Secure the swivel so it does not ride up the foil and you are done!I do this into the wind so the sail falls on deck as I do this mostly by myself.As far as the main goes:1-Release the outhaul tension and disconnect the outhaul from the clew of the sail. My sail is loose footed so at this point it is free of the boom. If yours is slotted into the boom you will still do this step.2-Release the tack of the sail at the gooseneck3-Starting at the top run each sail slug up and out of the feed groove (again about 2 feet above the gooseneck)4-Once the sail is free I remove my battens but you could do this first.5-If your sail is slotted into the boom it is at this point that you now pull the sail forward along the boom and out of the feed slot usually located at the forward end of the boom.Total time about 35 minutes including bagging.Good luckTim

 

[Carl]

Thanks

Tim:Thanks for that very logical and thorough synopsis. You've given me more help than either my dealer or Catalina in this regard!Much appreciated!