newbie/ inner forestay question(s)

[rosslora]

I own a well built old Piver trimaran with inner forestay and furler reefing on the forestay. I have three questions for you.

1) In what conditions would I replace the genoa on the forestay furler with the Jib.

2) When sailing (I intend sailing single handed) is the staysail always hanked on to the inner forestay and then lashed down ready if needed.

3) I have experienced great difficulty with sheeting in the genoa when tacking due to the sail catching on and wrapping around the inner forestay.
I read "somewhere" that a way around this would be to get the autopilot to tack the boat, furl the genoa until the clew is clear of the inner forestay and then haul out on the other sheet. How does this sound to you experts.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

[jfkal]

For 3. we have a man on the foredeck, guiding the genoa over.

 

[ToMo]

Bit difficult for him, think he said single-handed.

 

[jfkal]

Mea culpa. In that case. We cover the stsy with 1 inch white PVC tube. The sail then rolls over and does not get caught.

 

[kgi]

Unfortunately a lot of us who own the older multihulls have this problem in common. what was the original sailplan for your boat? was it actually built to take a genoa, on my own cat when i got it it had been retrofitted with a genoa, and the sail only worked properly when the true wind was between 50ish to90 off the bow, down wind it was a horror story, since found out that original sailplan was for two smaller headsails that were normally flown together, thats where im going now, back to the original sail plan, makes sense to me if theres only 2or3 feet of overlap she will be easier to tack.....this is what happens on my boat... if it helps you out great news,..hope you find a solution......keith

 

[J_Priedkalns]

On my cutter rig when sailing with the genoa, the staysail forestay is removed by using a quick disconnect/highfield lever together with its boom and stowed on deck.
Hope this helps!

 

[peterk]

Hi,
yes, why not roll up the genny when you are tacking?

from my long gone
but never forgotten!
multihull days :

It would help you to come about faster
if you let the tail of the genoa
(the rope right behind the genoa-clew
so you don't chafe the sail itself)
get caught
on the inner headstay
as you are pointing into the wind

- thus in effect backwind
and bring her around faster...

have lots of FUN,
glad to hear of another singlehander!

let us know how it works.

...peter, www,juprowa.com/kittel

 

[Twister_Ken]

Where can you buy piston hanks to fit over 1" pipe?

 

[oldsaltoz]

G’day Ross and welcome to the forum.
Re (1) If you are sailing single handed, changing you furling headsail for a jib might be a bit of a problem if conditions gage suddenly, and they can. Have you considered rigging a smaller sail on the forestay?
Re (2) Depending on expected conditions, if rigging the staysail is not a major task leave it in the bag, but if there is any chance of a change, have it rigged and secured.
Re (3) Seems to me you have two choices, always use the auto pilot to tack if single handed and either let the headsail backwind before letting the sheet go or roll it in so that the clue clears the inner forestay. A length of plastic conduit or pipe will reduce drag and damage fitted over the inner forestay, make sure it has a couple of large washers at the base to stop it slipping down over the fittings and it will rotate with little effort.
I hope this helps.

And avagoodweekend Old Salt Oz.

 

[chippie]

I have sent you a private message.

 

[rosslora]

Thanks to all for the feed back.
looks like the best choice for the inner forestay would be to install a bottle screw and slip, then tie the stay back to the mast when not in use, or furl the jib until the clew is past the stay and then re set the sail.
regards
Ross