On Fri, 07 May 2004 13:02:44 -0700, Stephen Trapani
wrote:

Okay, let me try this again. Sometimes the hardest thing about getting
the right answer is knowing enough to ask the right question! Thanks to
those who answered previously. I now know a little about jib
nomenclature. But there was nothing about storm jibs I could find. Is it
just an any old tough little sail? Would a foot 90% to the mast qualify
as a storm jib?

No, that could qualify as a No. 3 or a 4., maybe. No. 3s can be deck
sweepers that fill the fore triangle, or can be cut a little short on
the luff and hoisted with a pendant to the tack to catch more air
higher. I do this when single handing in 15-25 knots, as No. 3s
self-tack and I don't mind being slightly underpowered in that sort of
wind (I have a typical IOR '70s cruiser-racer).

What is the general theory for a good storm jib?
Anything smaller than 100% made out of tough material?

No. Seriously, use "storm jib" and "trysail" on Google and educate
yourself, because you could one day make a fatal mistake not knowing
the difference.

A storm jib is a heavy, triple or quadruple-stitched, reinforced sail
with extra-tough grommets. It is usually hanked on the forestay, but
roller furlers, if they can't strip off the furling sail, can use
something called a "Gale Sail".

A storm jib for a 35 foot boat is the size of an Star boat jib, or
smaller, and several times the thickness. It is a sail of last resort,
used to maintain way on in a heavy sea, or occasionally to provide a
bit of lateral resistance when motoring in same (lashed to the
centerline). A storm jib is frequently lashed to deck in anticipation
of its use in deteriorating conditions. It will commonly have heavy
dedicated sheets because of the enormous forces involved. Don't use
shackes, in 50 knots they will take your head off.

A storm jib or better yet, a storm staysail, gives you a bit of
control and propulsion when the atternative is running under bare
poles. It requires practice to use effectively (learn to use it in 35
knots so that you know what to do in 50), but it's a great sail. It's
frequently the "newest" sail on board because very, very few
recreational or coastal sailors are ever out in weather that storm
jibs are meant to serve. Funnily enough, however, they make excellent
"riding sails" while at anchor.

Check out "Heavy Weather Sailing" by Adlard Coles for further info.

Hope this helps. Storm jibs in real life featured in the Sydney Hobart
and Fastnet races...of which you may have heard.

R.