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 Rig Balance question.		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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clayC
Navigator

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USA
207 Posts
Initially Posted - 04/04/2008 :  09:10:53  Show Profile
Our boat came with a 110 hank on as our smallest head sail. In a stiff blow with a couple of reefs in our main, is that to large of a head sail to maintain a good balance? Or will I have to much lee helm?

Clay C
Kamalla 1980 C25 SK/TR
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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts
Response Posted - 04/04/2008 :  12:02:44  Show Profile
Comparing the tall rig to the standard, most of the 25 sq. ft. increase is in the mains'l. One reef in the tall main makes it roughly a standard main, and the second makes it a first-reef standard. On a SR, a 110 works fine with a single reef... I doubt that it is that much different on a tall with a second reef. But the better expert on that is your boat--ask it! If the balance is going to be toward a lee helm, it'll be that in moderate winds--just lighter. Of course, if one sail is baggy and the other isn't, that changes things... I experienced only a very light lee helm (almost neutral) on my SR in 15-20 knots with a 130 genny <i>only</i>--no main. If I rolled it part way up (moving the CE forward), the lee helm would increase.
Edited by - Dave Bristle on 04/04/2008 12:04:38
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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5909 Posts
Response Posted - 04/05/2008 :  09:30:56  Show Profile
Clay, you didn't get much response to this question because not many of us have actual experience sailing our C25s in conditions that require a double reefed mainsail. In fact, from what I've seen, most of us don't even have two reefs in our mainsails. A double reefed mainsail and a storm jib is a configuration that you wouldn't use often on a C25. I had a single reef and storm jib on my boat for years, and only used them both, in combination, once. The reason why we don't use them is because a C25 really isn't designed for sailing in those conditions in big waters. On a small inland lake, where you won't find such big waves, you're surounded by lee shores, and if you lose control of the boat for even a short time, you can easily end up on one. So, most of us opt not to sail in those conditions. That's not to say you shouldn't have two reefs. If you sail in coastal waters or on a big bay, you should have them, in case you get caught out in bad weather.

Nevertheless, I think Dave explained the general principles. Based on my experience with a single reef, if you need to <u>double</u> reef the mainsail, I think a 110% jib would be too much. I have certainly had experience sailing a 110% jib in winds that were too strong for it in combination with a single reefed mainsail. Therefore, to balance the boat properly with a double reef, I think you'd need to reduce the size of the jib.

Of course, if you don't have a storm jib, you can always drop the jib completely and sail on the mainsail alone. If you have that much wind, the boat will sail reasonably well and carry good speed with only the mainsail.

Also, if you're already carrying the smallest sail area that you have, you can luff the heck out of the mainsail, trimming it in just enough so that the wind is flowing over only the last few inches of the leech. That will help keep the boat pointed to windward while reducing the heeling moment.

In those conditions, it doesn't matter if your sails <u>look</u> like they're badly out of trim. The only thing that matters is that you maintain control of the boat.

I know this doesn't exactly answer your question, but it's the best I can do based on my actual experience with the C25.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.