Twin sails

[TFJ]

I have just been asked how to rig twin headsails to a furlex twin groove foil (for running) does the head of the extra sail need to be connected to the existing top fitting as they want to be able to furl both sails together if needed

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[dickh]

For them to be fitted to both top & bottom shackles, the sails would have to be EXACTLY the same length luff - highly unlikely, so I would fit the top of the sail together so they are both hoisted together, shackle the longest luff sail as normal at the tack, and then use a lashing to fit the other sail.


<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[ccscott49]

i had been reliably informed, that two headsails to work correctly and not induce roll, they should have a gap between them. This i tested, with a twin groove furlex and my spare yankee, (a "blaster" its called) down wind, the boat rolled like hell. two yankees borrowed from my brother, on my twin inner forestays, no roll or minimal anyway. so i would check the setup. but i agree with the other poster, the sails have to be exactly the same length.

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[TFJ]

Thanks Richard and Colin, I will get him to try it see how it works
Terry

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[charles_reed]

best to use two halyards - however many boats roll like hell under that rig.

Far better, on modern sailplans/hydrodynamics to use proper running sails despite chafe problems over long periods.

If no twin halyards use a tackle at the foot with both to the common head slug.

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[alant]

There is a system that was already on the market a few years ago, which allowed twin 'furling' headsails. Seen at Southampton Boat Show - company was based in Cowes I think (may be worth contacting Ratsey's - there was a connecton)

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[jamesjermain]

Ratsey and Lapthorn of Cowes make the Twistlerig, which is what you are thinking of.

<hr width=100% size=1>JJ

 

[ccscott49]

No, the twistle (twissle) rig is something entirely different, mainly its the way the twin poles are connected at their inboard ends and allowed to swing. not this twin sails in the twin grooves system, which was used by some guy on a transatlantisc race annd christened his "blaster". the pole setup could be used for this system. but as has been said it does tend to induce roll.

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[Gunfleet]

Dutch cruisers love raising twins and seem to consider this as suitable for downwind cruiser sailing as a spi. I think a long keeled boat would cut down on the rolling. Well, mine doesn't roll as much as my old bilge keeler sailing downwind, anyway! I haven't got a pair but I would love to try them. Imagine, if the wind got up and one was on a roller you could simply roll it away! John
ps I think there is a detailed description too in Frank Mulville's Single Handed Sailing.

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[jamesjermain]

The Twistle rig is what Alan was thinking about and is a twin poled rig which can be reefed. Yes, the poles are linked at the inboard end and it is said to be easier to handle once it is set up and reduces rolling but, in trials I have done, it takes so long to set up is is only really appropriate for yachtsmen on long, down-wind passages.

<hr width=100% size=1>JJ

 

[ccscott49]

i have tried it, but the actual sails seemed to be inducing the roll, with twin yankees on twin inners, it didnt roll anyway near as much, with linked poles. I linked mine and tried the ends linked to my foresail boom, which gave a little control over the poles, stopped them swinging around with flukey winds. i will try all the different set ups, when i cross the pond and report in. now all i have to do is retire and buy two more yankees!

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[Twister_Ken]

Don Street

If you can beg, borrow or steal a copy of Don Street's Atlantic Crossing Guide, the question of twins is discussed in great detail (too much to precis here).

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>

 

[ccscott49]

Re: Don Street

He did try two genoas sewn together didnt he? Or was that somebody else.

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[alant]

Yes that's the system. haven't tried it, but their blurb looked convincing.

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