Self tacking system for storm jib?

[FullCircle]

I was wondering whether having a self tacking track arrangement would be the best answer for a storm jib arrangement, as the furling genoa sheets could still be left in the genoa cars, and also would the self tacker be controlled by single line sheet to make it easier to rig and use in heavy weather?

 

[Poignard]

How would you back the jib if you wanted to heave to?

 

[Mirelle]

I don't fancy that.

My staysail is self tacking, but when it is close reefed I use normal sheets on it.

With normal sheets you can keep some tension on both parts when tacking or gybing, to avoid flogging. With a self tacker the sheet is bound to flog and frap itself into a ball on the foredeck in a strong wind, and the sail may shake itself to bits in the process.

 

[FullCircle]

A fair question. I would have to devise a locking mech to make it stay put if required. That sounds like another piece of string.Hmmph.

 

[davidbains]

I use my self tacking staysail in strong winds.
In fact it's clew has a shackled pulley that runs on rope between U bolts on deck.
Extend the rope to cockpit and you have self tacking with adjustment from one piece of string. If your boat won't heave to under main alone, you would have to temporarily add another rope.
Self tacking must be an advantage 95% of the time.

 

[Mirelle]

If I understand you correctly, your staysail has no boom, and connects directly, via the block, to the rope on deck?

Mine has a boom which rises at an angle to clear the windlass, so there is always a length of sheet, which fraps up when the sail flogs in a blow.