Damaged roller genoa

[colind3782]

MY roller furled genoa has blown in the fierce tramontana winds yesterday here in Empuriabrava. I need to get the sail down for repairs but the winds are forecast for another two weeks and I don't fancy climbing the mast until they drop a bit.

The question is: Is there an easy way of getting it down with climbing the mast?

 

[AliM]

I am not sure I understand why you are thinking of going up the mast at all.

Our roller genoa can be dropped simply by unrolling it and releasing the halyard. I can see that if it's damaged then it may need to be tugged down if the tatters stop it unrolling properly, and it's going to be a pretty unpleasant job in high winds.

If you really do have to go up the mast, can you wrap a spare halyard around the tatters to keep them under control until the wind drops enough to sort the whole mess out?

 

[Seajet]

If it's possible to swing the boat on her lines, having her point to leeward should make the bits of sail high up slide down a bit easier rather than blow up the forestay, would also keep them away instead of flailing at you when you do go up the mast.

If in doubt, leave it until you think it's safe; the damage has largely already been done.

 

[yoda]

It would be a very unusual setup that requires a trip aloft to drop the genoa. As others say there will be a halyard which when the sail is unfurled will allow you to drop it. More info on type of boat, roller gear or even some photos would also help us to help you!

Yoda

 

[colind3782]

Thanks all. The wind finally dropped and allowed me to employ a bit of brute force. A serious bit of hoofing manage to free the tangled tatters and it's down and off to the sail hospital. Looks fixable

 

[savageseadog]

Never leave furling sails in place for long periods, unattended, especially in winter