For versatility and without removing your 'tried and true / bombproof"
hank-on set up consider to add or change your configuration to a
"solent" configuration' with an added solent stay attached to a
releaseable lever connection at the stem head or bowsprit cranse.
Nothing beats a hank on set of sails for heavy weather. A solent stay
for the genoa, with the genoa cut for extra luff sag, and added just
behind the jibstay and well in front of the forestay would add the
versatility for light winds without sacrificing the strength needed for
'wahoooooo' higher wind ranges. On such a solent stay arrangment with
furler you could build or have built a genoa in a radial configuration
with much lighter weight cloth at the luff portion and normal heavier
cloth at the leech section .... for good shape in the lower wind ranges
and the added strength needed for the higher wind ranges when only the
mid and aft sections would be exposed (partially furled/reefed). Since
such a sail is not carried aloft nor stored on a furler for long
periods (UV damage) you can consider one of the newer lighter weight
high tech sail cloths. The only 'problem' with a forward mounted
solent stay is that it requires you to gybe the genoa 'forward around'
the solent stay in all maneuvers including tacking (by gybing through
270 degrees) or the luff shape will be fouled by the permanently
attached jibstay. Proper rig tension and its proper set-up and being
able to make on-the-fly adjustments can become an issue - but if you
are already flying a yankee on a jibstay with a staysail under, you
(should) already know this.
With 'just' roller furling gear on the jibstay one usually doesnt
'bother' to change sails (from genoa to yankee or yankee to genoa) ...
and then you simply muddle along with just a stay'sl up ... and suffer.
Changing a large genoa onto or off of a foil is not a pleasant
experience, especially if it is sodden and heavy. A solent stay system
gives you instant 'versatility' but does add a bit of windage.
There are some 'nifty' spinnaker roller furling systems that are now
beginning to make thier appearance and are completely REMOVABLE when
not in use and lowered. They reduce the detriment of 'windage' in
comparison to roller furled sails when not in use. Such systems, if
over time prove reliable, will replace those pain-in-the-ass 'socks and
chute scoops". An example of such is:
http://www.rollgen.com/pdf/rollgen_e.pdf Such systems are useful for
large light weight drifters through very deeply shaped down wind
asymmetrical spinnakers. With flat cut close reaching and 'pointing'
sails there will be a need to increase the luff or halyard tensions to
get any decent shape out of the sail. If you have an extra large
winch, that would be the means to adequately control luff tension if
the sail's tack (corner) is flown from a tack line.
Yankee .... probably a worthless sail overall. The center of effort is
too high (causes excess heel) ..... hard to 'match shape' with a staysl
(unless the staysl has a VERY rounded entry and a very flat aft
section) ... by extreme stays'l halyard tension. The greater the
overlap with the staysl the LESS efficiency of the yankee-staysl
combination. Probably better to fly a blade-jib with a flat staysl
under .... for less heel, more forward thrust (more exposed leech) and
better control when too much wind ... as the sail will not become so
unstable when 'feathering or when 'blade-ing up'.
Hope this helps.
In article , Nigel
wrote:
I have a cutter rigged Bruce Roberts 53, who's working sails comprise a main
sail, stay sail and yankee both on piston hanks. Once the wind reaches f3/4
she sails well, but struggles in light winds, so I'm planning on buying a
genoa. I like the simplicity of a no1 genoa with piston hanks, but it would
be a sail of about 1000sqft and weight in the region of 35kg (75lbs), which
could be a bit of a struggle when short handed. The alternative is to fit a
roller furling/reefing genoa, that would have the advantage of easier
handling but I would be giving up the yankee, and unless I also did away
with the staysail, or put it on a removable stay, it would be difficult
tack. I have had suggestions of twin forestays etc, but I like to keep
things simple. Is it unrealistic to think one person could handle a 1000sqft
headsail in light ish winds. She is fitted with Lewmar 65 winches and the
headsail could drop into a turtle type sail bag, but I know 500sqft is often
quoted as the largest easily handled sail. I'd appreciate any
experience/opinions.
Thanks and seasons greeting to all
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