sailing with headsail only

[Jeff Davis]

I just read an article in Practical Sailor (Sept issue) about sailing with headsail alone, particularly downwind. The article says this can be dangerous and can lead to dismasting on boats with single lower spreaders. It doesn't address rigs like Hunters with no backstay. I have done this on several occasions on our H240. It sails quite well in bigger winds this way. What is everyone's opinion about this?

 

[Peter Milne]

Bohart Said...

While I haven't received my Sept issue from PS (Mail is slower up here, I just received August issues), but I raised this question with Jim Bohart about a year ago. (See Archives)He dismissed any concerns indicating that he frequently sailed downwind with just a spinacker.Peter MilneS/V Blue heron

 

[ted]

single sail

depending on the type of standing rigging you have it could be dangerous to sail with a single sail up, main or head sail. what could happen is after prolong periods your forestay could chaffe or wear through depending on the type of connection to the mast i.e t-buckle (this is where back stay adjusters come in handy). ive never herd of hunters having this problem, but i have herd about offshore cruiser sailing the trade winds losing fore stays this way.

 

[Ron]

Balance

I've have always read and believed that sailing with one sail alone is dangerous. Of course, in light airs it wouldn't be a problem, but in heavier airs it would. Your mainsail helps support the mast by pulling it backward while your headsail puts forward pressure on. I always keep this balance when out in our boat. Using just one sail sets up an embalance. I agree, it is a lot easier to use just the headsail, especially when you're alone, but it's a practice I avoid. Ron