How unsafe is it to sail upwind on jib alone--what part of the rig is stressed the most? Is there an upper windspeed limit for downwind sailing on jib alone?
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who told you it was unsafe ....?
Who in the world told you it was unsafe to sail downwind on jib(s) alone? firstly some of the most efficient downwind rigs are twin jibs...they have been used successfully for decades by off shore cruisers. Secondly, the jib is the primary source of drive on the wind, so it is straining whether the main is up or not. Even on a single jib downwind you may have to pole out, and of course you have lee helm, not weather, so a broach will be on the opposite side. heheh Same goes as to helm on the upwind leg as well, you'll have lee helm. Just do it, and note the differences. Also note that it is the MAIN which produces the heeling, so in heavier winds sailing by jib upwind beccomes much smoother and more comfortabole. As for strain most is placed on the backstay and aft shrouds, the same as when you are running a mainsail. Somewhat more stress since there is no countering forces from the main, but nothing the standing rigging isn't more than adequate for. Some people, myself included like to sail on jib alone when you are just 'messing about' OR you want to smooth the ride. There is a marked improvement on jib alone. Since the jib, particularly the larger ones are the main driving force of a sloop you really only suffer about a third or so loss in speed. Handling as I said is a snap. Go for it. One thing though, and this applies to any boat, the rigging MUST be properly tuned, slack and or unbalanced tuning is the biggest cause of failures. Too slack and the forces will 'thump' the cable and you learn what metal fatigue is, what happens when it iccures, and what the cost is to repair and replace. Tune your rig and enjoy! Just my opinion, of course. heh
Who in the world told you it was unsafe to sail downwind on jib(s) alone? firstly some of the most efficient downwind rigs are twin jibs...they have been used successfully for decades by off shore cruisers. Secondly, the jib is the primary source of drive on the wind, so it is straining whether the main is up or not. Even on a single jib downwind you may have to pole out, and of course you have lee helm, not weather, so a broach will be on the opposite side. heheh Same goes as to helm on the upwind leg as well, you'll have lee helm. Just do it, and note the differences. Also note that it is the MAIN which produces the heeling, so in heavier winds sailing by jib upwind beccomes much smoother and more comfortabole. As for strain most is placed on the backstay and aft shrouds, the same as when you are running a mainsail. Somewhat more stress since there is no countering forces from the main, but nothing the standing rigging isn't more than adequate for. Some people, myself included like to sail on jib alone when you are just 'messing about' OR you want to smooth the ride. There is a marked improvement on jib alone. Since the jib, particularly the larger ones are the main driving force of a sloop you really only suffer about a third or so loss in speed. Handling as I said is a snap. Go for it. One thing though, and this applies to any boat, the rigging MUST be properly tuned, slack and or unbalanced tuning is the biggest cause of failures. Too slack and the forces will 'thump' the cable and you learn what metal fatigue is, what happens when it iccures, and what the cost is to repair and replace. Tune your rig and enjoy! Just my opinion, of course. heh
Definitely not unsafe
But in some conditions it may make handling sloppy and you may find that your course slides to leeward (not just lee helm). The main is there for good reason. Sometimes however, it sure is nice to just unfurl the jib and head off downwind.
But in some conditions it may make handling sloppy and you may find that your course slides to leeward (not just lee helm). The main is there for good reason. Sometimes however, it sure is nice to just unfurl the jib and head off downwind.
nice sail today
with just the genny up. I've sailed my Newport 30 with the 150 only and haven't had any problems in 4 years. Today was a nice day to be sailling, and with only the 150 we sailed for about 5 hours, gotta love that roller furling.
with just the genny up. I've sailed my Newport 30 with the 150 only and haven't had any problems in 4 years. Today was a nice day to be sailling, and with only the 150 we sailed for about 5 hours, gotta love that roller furling.
up wind
I read that sailing up wind on a genny in heavy air Is not good The main sail holds the mast four and aft and stops it from compressing down and snaping in two .I love sailing down wind with head sail alone. But my C30 sails alot better with a reefed main and furled 150% genney I have a frend that has aa C27 and he allways sails on his head sail and thinks it great. but he likes warm beer to. (English men) John
I read that sailing up wind on a genny in heavy air Is not good The main sail holds the mast four and aft and stops it from compressing down and snaping in two .I love sailing down wind with head sail alone. But my C30 sails alot better with a reefed main and furled 150% genney I have a frend that has aa C27 and he allways sails on his head sail and thinks it great. but he likes warm beer to. (English men) John
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