riding sail

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May 16, 2007
1,509
Boatless ! 26 Ottawa, Ontario
We just did an extended cruise with our 260, anchoring out or on mooring balls quite a bit. We saw several several smaller boats with riding sails that seemed to be moving much less than we were while were doing the most sailing of any boat in the anchorage. We move quite a bit on a mooring ball in just 10 kt winds.

I'm looking at the Sailrite stay sail for boats under 35 ft., with 12 sq ft. As we do not have a backstay I assume we would have to use our topping lift. We usually have the boom centered over the cockpit as we use a boom tent. When the wind was high we folded up the bimni and stowed the boom tent to reduce windage.

Has anyone else with an under 30 ft boat used one these sails with sucess ?
Are there any other solutions for this other than a riding sail ?

Bob
 

WTA

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Apr 16, 2008
44
Hunter 240 Mobile Bay
Did you try using a bridle type configuration with a line running from amidships (the winch) up to the mooring ball and another from the mooring ball to the bow cleat. You could pull the central connection point to the mooring off to one side taking the bow off the wind a little and helping the boat to sail in 1 direction only. Probably would not be much fun if there were alot of waves though. Just a thought. Cheaper option than a riding sail.
 
May 16, 2007
1,509
Boatless ! 26 Ottawa, Ontario
thanks for the suggestion, interesting idea, I have seen that done with an anchor but have not tried it myself but will as soon as I get a chance.

I don't know if they would allow it with a mooring as they say you can not use more than 4 ft of line between the boat and the pennant. I assume they should measure from the bow to the pennant ring but not sure how they might do it. If this helps with an anchor I will ask about doing the same on a mooring.

Bob
 
May 25, 2004
958
Hunter 260 Pepin, WI
Bob,
The mount holes for the stern mast crutch are ideal for a temporary mizzen mast while moored. Being as far aft as you can get, it would make a great place for a stabilizing sail.

I use copper pipe in them for my 10' flag pole. (Peek at my album to see why.)
 
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