winter sail size and general question about inventory

[Jared1048]

hello all!

I currently have an old bagged out jib that I'm going to get replaced with another 100% jib for winter sailing. With foam luff so it can be reduced to say a 80% without too much shape change.

for my summer sail im going to replace my old 150% with a 135%. Was told id get the same performance if not a little better pointing than the 150. Again with foam luff so I could suck it in if the wind gets a little stiffer.

between those two headsails, my new mainsail I got last year and my symmetrical I think that's a good inventory for cruising year round to Mexico and back.

im only a 31ft boat so storage is at a great premium. Storm sails, and all the numbers are ideal but not so when half the boat is just full of sails.

what are your thoughts on this? I was curious about having a reef point put in the new 100% jib to take it down to a storm sail if possible. Or better yet is that a decent idea?

id love to hear your thoughts and hear what do you do?


cheers and happy winter sailing!
Jared

 

[rufus1138]

i dont have any experience with it yet jared but ive been told that the rope instead of the foam is a better way to go, north sails told me they can make a 150 that can be reefed to a 90 before loosing too much shape for a cruising boat.

 

[dziedzicmj]

I was also talked out of having the foam added. Talk to your sail-maker.

 

[RichH]

If youre going to all the trouble to have a ROLLER-furling 100% do double duty as a 'storm sail' be mindful that the 'most' sail area reduction for roller furling jibs is about 30%, making that a 70% jib, rolling beyond that 30% is going to wind up 'baggy', unable to point very well, etc., as all the 'broadseaming' that produces the 3 dimensional sail shape is now all rolled-up in that first 30%.
If a reduction to 70% is OK with you, Id suggest a tri-radial or equivalent configuration with the leech sections made of heavier cloth than the luff .... the lighter weight luff panel cloth will easier and more tightly roll; the heavier (stronger) weight leech sections the only part 'really' exposed in a 'blow'. Id have the seams on this sail 'triple stitched' AND glued AND have all the leech panels that run their stitching to the actual leach with added reinforcing patches ... as its ALWAYS the leech seams that are the ones to 'go' during storm conditions. Of course FOAM LUFF, and 'reefing patches' added to the leech and foot to match with the roll-down to the 70% mark - this for CHAFE protection.



Have you looked at an ATN "Gale Sail" ... a storm jib that is flown on top of a rolled up jib/genoa? http://www.atninc.com/atn-gale-sail-sailing-equipment.shtml

 

[vtsailguy]

My experience is that sailmakers claims of successful reeling a headsail by furling are a stretch to be generous. In 20+ winds I find furling sails to flop all over the place, point horribly and have bad shape.

I add my support to the gale sail from ATN. I have one and popping it out at 25 knots is great, really good pointing and shape, and I feel safe, warm and fuzzy.

 

[Jared1048]

Lots to think about.

My sail maker was who recommended the foam luff to reef the sail 2 or three turns but not more. I have experimented before with it in a good blow and more than a couple turns makes the shape horrible

Never heard of a rope luff before. I'll have to ask him about it

The gale sail from ATN looks pretty nice. Doing something like that would mean 1 less sail and a lot less storage. I hope having a 135 and 100% jibs isn't too redundant. Its similar to what I have now but the sails are blown out. so its hard to say when they are in good condition if I will need both

 

[Jared1048]

[Update]

Talked to my sail maker today and pulled the trigger.

For winter sailing and heavier weather will use a tri radial jib (105%) made from warp-drive dacron and will be cut flatter. extra foam luff to really pull it in flat if I roll it up a few times. UV cover. 8 oz

summer sail will be a fuller cut 135%, tri radial genoa and with warp-drive dacron again. foam luff added also. UV cover. 7 oz

Excited to see it in a few weeks