Sailing with jib only

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Cheri

I have been told that sailing with only the jib can stress the mast. I have also been told that sailing with only the jib is a more relaxed way to sail. Does it depend on how strong the winds are? Any advice is welcome.
 
Feb 26, 2004
22,996
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Jib Only

Cheri Searching the archives for jib only shows in the link. Stu
 
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tomD

depends on point of sail

If you are on a broad reach or running, jib only works well, but if you are beating or reaching, the imbalance with the centerboard keel will make it hard to control, severe weatherhelm. As far as overloading while reaching, the boat has a backstay which takes twice the load with the mainsail up, so can't see why a jib-only would create any extra forces. The boat behaves better under main only. Both sails are about 100 ft2 so the sail area doesn't change but the balance does. In my experience the boat does not go well to wind without both sails in play.
 
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dan

when feeling lazy

I do it all the time, esp for short cocktail crusies when I want to go nowhere fast!
 
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Alan

Tried it, didn't like it

I tried once with a jib only in 10mph winds, boat was okay down wind but very difficult to maneuver on turns. Simpler with main or both sails.
 
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Alan

Genoa

If You are feeling real lazy, Just try a 150 genoa... I have sailed our 22 "PING" in winds gusting 20 to 25 with a reefed main and a storm jib.. Makes for fun and a more expierenced sailer Alan
 
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Dick of Sylvan

Storm Jib

When our rear shroud bolt in the chainplate of our 1975 C 22 broke in a strong wind (ca.25 mph gust), I quickly lowered main and sailed back about 2 miles to our slip with just the small storm jib. Fortunately it was slightly downwind and I didn't have to fire up the Honda. Must admit though that it was not relaxing! The bolt broke because I apparently had overtightened it some time earlier which had torqued the bolt, stressing the stainless steel too much. Repaired with the Catalina Direct oversized chainplates which have held up quite well. In heavy winds, I prefer a reefed main and a storm sail or if not too strong the reefed main and a "mule". Dick
 
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