Genoa sheets - slack or tight on leaving the boat?

[Iain C]

Ah ha! Seems we are all wrong. Shamelessly stolen from another thread, what you want to ensure your headsail doesn't unfurl is one of these...

 

[onesea]

Agree: if boat being left :-

1 - at least a full turn of sheets round genoa clew,

2 - a stopper knot in the furling line just before the jammer or block as appropriate, so even if the jammer/cleat released it cannot unfurl,

3 - and finally a bit of strong string or a sail tie round the sail, just in case the furling line breaks, though it really should not as there should be no stress on it apart from a slight torque from the jib sheets, perhaps this is a reason not to have them bar taut.

No 2 takes about three seconds, and if done by everyone, would save hundreds of shredded headsails every year.

No 1 As stated earlier not going to agree. I think its better for the sail to keep the tension where it should be on the leech and foot. Not bunch it up in the middle taking the weight of leach and foot allowing wind under them.

No 2 definitely, or secured to a cleat in an appropriate manner (not going to start the debate about whats appropriate) I always made sure mine was double secured.

No 3 If I was in doubt about my furling line I would replace it, or add a extra securing strop to the drum so it cannot undo. As per reasons above I would nto put sail tie here, have seen sails flapping away with said sail tie in place...

No 4 Both Gib sheets properly secured means double secured, so that should be no problem.

Yep - "as long as".

I guess I just have to much confidence in my gear?

 

[Hial]

I wrap my spinnaker halyard around the headsail several times which gives extra security.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Ah ha! Seems we are all wrong. Shamelessly stolen from another thread, what you want to ensure your headsail doesn't unfurl is one of these...

I'm not keen on these modern plastic things. Or on modern plastic boats, for that matter.

 

[Poignard]

If someone loses their footing they will grab at whatever's nearest to hand. Better that it's secure.

I put a tier round the furled sail and tension the sheets.

 

[Pinnacle]

Surprised no-one has suggested taking off the genoa (& sheets) when they leave the boat. I do, doesn't take long and then no worries whatsoever about genoa getting loose whatever the wind.

Thats a 15 minute minimum, 2 person job! Not for us thanks.

 

[onesea]

Thats a 15 minute minimum, 2 person job! Not for us thanks.

10 minute 1 person job 5 minute 2 person job, and you get to choose what size sail you want plus its cut to fit... No roller furling have a foil do it every time I go out, no regrets about that either.

 

[Simondjuk]

If I could reach the clew to secure the sail with a sail tie I'd consider taking the sheets off.

Since I can't, I furl until I have three turns of the sheets round the sail. (I can't abide that silly little triangle of sail with no UV protection on one side thing.) Make off the furling line in its jammer, then take it back round itself forward of the jammer with three half-hitches on the bight (since the nearby aft mooring clear will either be doing its designed job or occupied with the light line I rig from boom end to free mooring cleat to stop the boom swaying about). I then pull the sheets on snugly by hand.