Rigging a gale sale

[eddystone]

I'm stuck with this as I had a hanked storm jib converted when I got a new furling Genoa. I couldn't imagine completely unfurling the Genoa to drop it and hank on a storm jib in the conditions that would require it - but I don't think I'm going to have chance with the sleeved addition either!
In the video I watched the Genoa sheets were furled right down to the tack but if I can't get enough line on the drum to do that. Only thing I can think of doing is to wrap something around the sail to stop it unfurling and lead the sheets down to the roller and tie them off. All introducing friction though where the sleeve is supposed to run smoothly over the furled sail
Any ideas?

 

[lpdsn]

I suspect you probably intended to add a link to a video.

It's quite easy to sort out if there isn't enough line to completely furl the sail. If you're worried about that get a few more turns on the drum before you ever need them.

 

[Biggles Wader]

Are you saying that your genoa will not furl completely and leaves a triangle of sail showing?If so you need to sort that out because in a blow you want it fully rolled up.

 

[Poignard]

Maybe your furling line is thicker than it needs to be. But, if you want a thick line to get a better grip with your hands, you can always spice a thin length into a thicker length so that the drum is not 'overfilled' but the part you handle is a comfortable diameter.

 

[NormanS]

You don't want to hear this, but generally it's so much easier to have a storm jib hanked onto its own forestay, usually stowed out of the way and tensioned when required for use with a Highfield lever or similar.

 

[eddystone]

You don't want to hear this, but generally it's so much easier to have a storm jib hanked onto its own forestay, usually stowed out of the way and tensioned when required for use with a Highfield lever or similar.

I don't mind hearing it because I realise it's true but like investing in the hardware to rig 3 reefs permanently it's not going to happen.

I actually managed to rig it up on the pontoon this afternoon with about 5 knots of wind so that's sorted then - I'll wait in harbour for the gale and then I'll be prepared.. to not go out!

 

[Venus1]

Firstly, I agree with NormanS that a "proper" storm jib or staysail is preferable (not least due to the better balance of being further aft), but like you I couldn't justify the hardware for the rare use, and had a small jib modified with a sleeve.
My experience: I tied the sheets near the tack, and that was no problem for hoisting the gale type sail. So I am hoping you will be ok there.
What caused a problem was the genoa sheet bowlines at the clew.
To alleviate this, one could 1) get a larger sleeve on the jib and 2) use a cow hitch or similar to reduce the bulk of the sheet attachments

 

[Topcat47]

My roller reefing pennant, suggested and supplied by XW Riggin in Gosport, is 12mm multiplait for ease of handling (I have arthritis in my hands) but with the core removed for sufficient length to wrap round the drum. The previous pennant was 8mm. It filled the drum and was impossible to grip tightly enough to reef the sail.

 

[Tranona]

I don't mind hearing it because I realise it's true but like investing in the hardware to rig 3 reefs permanently it's not going to happen.

I actually managed to rig it up on the pontoon this afternoon with about 5 knots of wind so that's sorted then - I'll wait in harbour for the gale and then I'll be prepared.. to not go out!

If it is any help I have in my loft a storm jib that was made when my boat was built in 1963. Never been used by any of the 4 owners (me for the last 36 years). Did put it up once before I converted to roller furling in 1992!

 

[kalanka]

I am a late convert to storm jibs. My 34 foot boat came with one that for years I never deployed (on its separate forestay rigged with a tensioner) However, I finally used it on an ocean crossing with four consecutive days of 35-45 kts and was very impressed by how it eliminated the wear and the noise from the thrashing leech of a strongly furled genoa. It is a bit of a faff and you need to get set up before the gale arrives but I shall be using it again. I don't think that rigging a new auxiliary forestay for the storm sail would be particularly difficult. I also have a trisail. This has not been deployed (I have a third mainsail reef that is very small) but I am glad to have it aboard in the event of the boom or gooseneck giving up.