Heavy weather sails

[jfkal]

We are close to the equator and there is rarely heavy wheather but in order to be prepared can I have your comments on the following:

1. Would a tripple reefed main do for a storm sail?
2. Can I use the Spin Halyard to double as an inner forestay to hank on a strom jib?


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[qsiv]

Most triple reefed mains meet the ORC definition of a storm sail BUT it is still made from relatively light cloth, doesnt have a sewn boltrope all round and will still require the boom - whereas a trysail can be set a little higher and wont be so prone to trapping water.

As for the spi halyard - possibly - but it will stretch and be subject to chafe, and still be set from the masthead (or wherever it exits), also if you have a floating block on the masthead, you may well be putting much more strain on it than designed - if it simply exits from the sheave then this wont be an issue.

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[Talbot]

The floating block system will also inevitably be subjected to chafing. I like the look of Stigo's emergency stay http://www.stingo.co.uk/ (under: preparation) this covers a multitude of different problems.

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