frilaens
Well-Known Member
I've been thinking about storm sails and obviously from a safety point of view having both is best. If I was to have only one which one is recommended?
Andy
Andy
storm jib vs trysail
- Thread starter frilaens
- Start date
alex_rogers
Well-Known Member
I'd definately go for the storm jib. If you can reef the main to 40% of its original luff length and it is strongly made, then the difficulties of actually setting a trysail in the conditions it's made for, make it hard to justify - especially as the trysail will involve not just the sail but ideally an additional track on the mast.
Alex Rogers
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.YachtsAtSea.com> www.YachtsAtSea.com </A>
Alex Rogers
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.YachtsAtSea.com> www.YachtsAtSea.com </A>
bedouin
Well-Known Member
How deeply can you reef your main?
In line with ORC regulations, we carry a storm jib and a main that can be reefed down to trysail size. However I have never had to use either in anger, so I can't give first hand advice.
I would not be without the storm jib. Should I ever find myself having to sail off a lee shore in a storm (heaven forbid) the storm jib will be a lifesaver. My view on the Trysail is that a deep reefed main will be just as effective - the downside being that I risk damaging an expensive main rather than a cheap trysail.
In line with ORC regulations, we carry a storm jib and a main that can be reefed down to trysail size. However I have never had to use either in anger, so I can't give first hand advice.
I would not be without the storm jib. Should I ever find myself having to sail off a lee shore in a storm (heaven forbid) the storm jib will be a lifesaver. My view on the Trysail is that a deep reefed main will be just as effective - the downside being that I risk damaging an expensive main rather than a cheap trysail.
snowleopard
Well-Known Member
i had both but never used the trysail in anger, that includes beating off a lee shore in a force 9 with just the jib.
it depends a lot on the balance of the boat, the jib, set right forward, will tend to make the bow fall away resulting in leeway. if the jib is set on an inner stay it is more likely to work.
it depends a lot on the balance of the boat, the jib, set right forward, will tend to make the bow fall away resulting in leeway. if the jib is set on an inner stay it is more likely to work.
frilaens
Well-Known Member
I have two reefing points in the main, and it may be 40%... but it still seems like a large area when fully reefed. Is there any advantage/disadvantage to sailing under just a storm jib? (loading the forestay?? working on the foredeck??)
Andy
Andy
jimi
Well-Known Member
I've just ordered a trysail as when I asked the sailmaker to put a 3rd reef in I was told that the sail cloth was really to light for the wind that would be encountered when a 3rd reef would be required. Got it put in anyway as well though!
bedouin
Well-Known Member
If you've got only two reefing points it is unlikely that the deepest reef will match the "magical" 40% (magical in that it is the RORC requirement). As to sailing under storm jib alone, it will depend very much on the boat.
Reaching or running under the jib alone would normally be okay - but most boats would probably not like to go to windward with just a jib, the centre of effort is too far forwards - but this is better with a cutter rig or an inner forestay.
The forces on the rig itself are not necessarily any greater under storm sails as they are under full sail so loading on the rig should not be an issue (provided that the rig is properly designed)
Reaching or running under the jib alone would normally be okay - but most boats would probably not like to go to windward with just a jib, the centre of effort is too far forwards - but this is better with a cutter rig or an inner forestay.
The forces on the rig itself are not necessarily any greater under storm sails as they are under full sail so loading on the rig should not be an issue (provided that the rig is properly designed)
ericw
Active Member
I'd go for the storm jib, if I could only have one !
In fierce winds/survival situation u would probably want to be taking the waves at 60-70 degrees to the direction of travel if not constrained by the proximity of land.
In this instance u would be fine with just a storm jib set. If in doubt read the various accounts of the '98 Sydney-Hobart - some of the smaller boats ended up going in completely the wrong direction, but survived ! If proximity to land is the case, I'd still go with the jib set on an inner stay - at least u'd have a chance of beating off a lee shore !
Regards,
Eric.
www.HarryHindsight.com
In fierce winds/survival situation u would probably want to be taking the waves at 60-70 degrees to the direction of travel if not constrained by the proximity of land.
In this instance u would be fine with just a storm jib set. If in doubt read the various accounts of the '98 Sydney-Hobart - some of the smaller boats ended up going in completely the wrong direction, but survived ! If proximity to land is the case, I'd still go with the jib set on an inner stay - at least u'd have a chance of beating off a lee shore !
Regards,
Eric.
www.HarryHindsight.com
Chris_Stannard
Well-Known Member
The advantage of a trysail is that the centre of effort is lower and farther back than a deep reefed main, giving less heel and a better balanced boat when you are trying to get to windward. However do not expect to make too much ground to windward. Some deep water cruisers use their trysails in perference to their main as it makes the boat more comfortable.
Chris Stannard
Chris Stannard
