Self tacking jib set up H41

[Tim Mills]

I do a fair amount of solo sailing on my Hunter 41. Hunters generally already have a small fractional jib (110%) but even so, when it blows much more than 20 kn sailing solo can be a handful particularly tacking the jib.

My question is twofold:
1. Any techniques that you use when you are solo sailing to prevent the jib from getting a little out of control? I could hove-to each time and slowly tack it. The challenge is that when it blows 20-25 kn+ or so my autopilot will not hold course so there's a lot to do.
2. Is there a simple way to set up the jib by reefing it a bit to 100% and setting it up temporarily so it is self tacking?

 

[sail sfbay]

I am sure there will be plenty of good recommendations on this subject and I will be interested to learn for the forum, In my case in those conditions:

1. My 105% jib is reefed 50%. On tacking I let the boom come over, let the jib back wind, step away from the helm, ease and release the windward sheet while winching the leeward sheet.
2. My 105% jib is not self tacking so I cannot comment.

 

[shemandr]

If you are sailing in 20 - 25 kts. taking in 10% of the jib doesn't seem to me to be unreasonable. You will probably lose some pointing ability but when it's that windy - who cares? If 20 -25 kts. is a regular condition I'd look at a smaller jib. 90% to 80%. The main thing is to reef the main to at least the first reef in that, not unreasonable condition. On a Hunter that is the first sail reduction strategy.

 

[rgranger]

I think that if you really wanted a self tacking jib system, you would have to install a traveler in front of the mast for your jib.

A second up side of a system like that would be one less jib sheet in the cockpit

 

[Tim Mills]

I think that if you really wanted a self tacking jib system, you would have to install a traveler in front of the mast for your jib.

A second up side of a system like that would be one less jib sheet in the cockpit

I'm thinking like a Selden or Harken track in front of the mast and use my spinnaker clew line and run it through a block at the bow roller where it is already when set for a spin and run it back to the new track slide car block and to the jib clew and use the existing jib sheets to control the slide car position. No new lines. I should be able to switch from conventional jib sheeting to a self tacking jib in a few seconds if I use a trigger shackle to connect the spin and jib sheets to the jib clew.

 

[jon hansen]

not a hunter, but. this is my system. track is behind hatch. the cabin top around the mast is over 3" thick and solid, then the wood base for the jib track conforms to the cabin with the track on top. the cabin top is very beefy in this area. the wood boom is my club footed jib boom. the goose neck clamps the the forestay with a cable to the deck. it pivots of course.

 

[jon hansen]

you can see the car on the jib track

 

[jon hansen]

blowing 30 +, full main, club footed jib. it's a hoot to drive to weather all day. the main pulls really well, with all the cleaner air, with the slot so very open

 

[jon hansen]

the thing to understand on aeolus is the cabin top is hugely reinforced in this area under the track and back around the hole for the mast

 

[Tim Mills]

View attachment 183939

blowing 30 +, full main, club footed jib. it's a hoot to drive to weather all day. the main pulls really well, with all the cleaner air, with the slot so very open

Very cool setup.