I've seen many boats sailing downwind with just the jib or genoa alone and no mainsial. Having a furling jib, this would be a great option for me on those days when I'm feeling a little lazy and don't want to hoist the main. However, the M doesn't have back stays because of the rotating mast. On the MacGregor homepage in the section describing how to sail, Roger does describe this technique, but it was written before the M for the X which does have back stays. So my question: Is it safe to sail on a 26M downwind using only the jib or genoa? Does it put undue pressure on the mast because of the lack of backstays? Cheers, Kirk PS: The "Tall Ships" (over 40 of them) are in Halifax this week end and I'm just heading out now on the boat to have a look. Should be great fun!
- Status
Kirk...
If the upper shroud chainplate is aft of the mast and the forestay is connected at the hounds, you needn't worry.
If the upper shroud chainplate is aft of the mast and the forestay is connected at the hounds, you needn't worry.
Jib Sailing
I've sailed several times with a furling jib only. Never occurred to me about the back stay. I was lucky again but the chainplates to the shrouds are behind the mast. It's been great for singlehanding even in winds 10-15 mph.
I've sailed several times with a furling jib only. Never occurred to me about the back stay. I was lucky again but the chainplates to the shrouds are behind the mast. It's been great for singlehanding even in winds 10-15 mph.
so you would or would not sail with jib alone?
Lamar, So you would or would not sail with jib alone? If you would, up to what wind speed? Kirk
Lamar, So you would or would not sail with jib alone? If you would, up to what wind speed? Kirk
Light air-ten and below
In light air below 10 knots down wind, should be safe. When it picked up above 10 knots, and especially when gusting, is when our mast would bend. Watch your mast. If you see it bending, raise the main or drop the head. If you don't think they bend, lay down on the deck and look straight up. (you probably should have a helmsman at the wheel).
As you have more sailing time on the boat, you'll learn when to shorten or raise sails. Have fun.
In light air below 10 knots down wind, should be safe. When it picked up above 10 knots, and especially when gusting, is when our mast would bend. Watch your mast. If you see it bending, raise the main or drop the head. If you don't think they bend, lay down on the deck and look straight up. (you probably should have a helmsman at the wheel).
As you have more sailing time on the boat, you'll learn when to shorten or raise sails. Have fun.- Status