On 2008-08-14 22:33:26 -0400, Wayne.B said:

On Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:16:22 -0700 (PDT), "
wrote:

On Aug 14, 7:20*pm, "Bill Kearney" wrote:
It's really important to take them down before a major wind event.

Yep, tried to warn a fellow slipholder of this. Then Ernesto came
through and ripped it to shreds. A couple of us were around tending to
lines. It only took about a minute to wreck it.

The best thing to do if a major storm is coming is to remove all sails
from the rig. A poor second best for a roller furling headsail would be
to wrap the spinnaker halyard around the sail, which should prevent if
from unfurling.

The force of a full gale or hurricane has to be experienced. The wind
will get under any loose corner and rip it to shreds. Once it starts
the whole thing goes, wrapped or not.

I have to emphasize this last. The Chesapeake can deliver squalls in
excess of 100 knots. There is essentially zero warning.

Dockmate had his genny beautifully furled with 4 wraps of the sheets
holding it in place. Squall got under his furled sail and unwrapped it
like an anchovy tin. Beautifully furled sail below the 4 sheet wraps, a
shredded jib just above them.


--
Jere Lull
Xan-à-Deux -- Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD
Xan's pages: http://web.mac.com/jerelull/iWeb/Xan/
Our BVI trips & tips: http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/