Gybing the genoa

[richgiddens]

Had a problem at the w/end with the genoa wrapping itself around the forestay during the gybe. We were under genny only in about 20+ knots. Although I've always managed to sort it, it's a problem I''ve never really cracked; there must be a better way!
All advice greatfully received.

 

[seumask]

It may seem a bit OTT, but you can roll the genoa partially in before the gybe, and then let it out again after the gybe. I Usually do this if we have the Genoa poled out goosewinging

 

[richgiddens]

Thanks for that; doesn't seem OTT at all, I've tried everything else and it's only a matter of time before I get in a real mess.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

don't let the working sheet go too slack before the gybe, which allows too much canvas to get forward of the forestay. Better to sheet it in a good bit first if you can, then harden up on the new working sheet, turn the boat through the gybe keeping tension on both sheets, then pay out new lazy sheet, adjust new working sheet.

Not sure I have expressed that very well. the general rule is to keep all the sail behind the forestay one way or another !

 

[richgiddens]

Again, many thanks; perhaps I wont have to make up a story for the charter company about why their boat doesn't have a mast anymore after all!

 

[dukes4monny]

I agree entirely with MoodyNick.......I would just add that it might be worth moving the geona cars right forward (if it's easy) when sailing dead downwind as this should reduce some of the 'twist' in the genoa.....

 

[srm]

Pull in on both sheets and get the clew over the foredeck before putting the stern through the wind, if neccessary roll up a bit of sail first. If two crew availabe for sheet winches get them to sheet in and wind the clew across the foredeck then ease out on the new gybe.

Probably not too much danger to the mast while going down wind with the genoa as loads are relatively light, provided it is securely rigged and up to the job in the first place. Sailed a big Elan last year that was impossible to handle off the wind with the main up when winds above high 20 knots and 1 metre plus waves - so for a couple of days we were sailing under genoa only in 30 plus knots. Had a few gybes, noisy and hard work but no problems.

Would be very careful though if its one of those Hunters without backstays as they must rely on the main for some aft support.

 

[flaming]

Would be very careful though if its one of those Hunters without backstays as they must rely on the main for some aft support.

My Dad used to have one. I can assure you they're fine under jib alone in 30+ knots.

 

[richgiddens]

Thanks for all this useful stuff, just want to get out and try it now. I forwarded this thread to my crew of the w/end to be told, ' told you that's what we should have done' and, 'my suggestion wasn't that far off the mark' etc etc. I can't remember anyone saying anything or perhaps I just couldn't hear because of the genny flogging.

 

[tjbrace]

I was taught to 'wend' in this situation. ie. luff up, tack through the wind, then bear away on the new gybe. Has not gone wrong yet.

 

[bobgoode]

Use the genoa sheets to centre the clew infront of the mast, haul in the main, helm over, ease the main then ease the genoa....all with one pair of hands.