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Sailing on storm jib

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glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/13/2009 : 07:47:41

Following up on the "sailing on genoa" topic -- I don't hope to ever need it, but what are the guidelines for using a storm jib? Given its CE is so far forward of the mast, I assume it could only be used to sail upwind when used in combination with a reefed main. Alternatively, is it designed mostly to sail before the wind?

Gerry Livingston, Malletts Bay, VT
"Great Escape" 1989 C-25 SR/WK #5972

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 02/13/2009 : 09:27:08

In my experience if you have enough wind to fly a storm jib, (mine have always be large SJs of 70%) you will be able to sail into the wind. The beauty of a small head sail when under head sail alone is that when you tack you are not driven as far down before you can head back up after the tack.

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JohnP
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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 02/13/2009 : 09:28:19

I've used my storm jib both running before the wind in a gale as the single sail hoisted, and beating to windward with a reefed main. I don't recall the maker of my sail, but it looks like this:

The tack is held by a 4' steel pennant. Here is a pretty comprehensive discussion of [url="http://www.sailingbreezes.com/Sailing_Breezes_Current/articles/Nov04/Maximumsail.htm"]storm sails[/url] excerpted from the book "Maximun Sail Power", where I found that picture.

LOL - After reading that article's criticism of cutting down old sails - I cut the center out of an old roller furling jib and attached the 3 corners together to make a heavy-duty trysail that is about 5 feet on a side. It has so many thicknesses of dacron that I had to drill tiny holes and stitch most of it with nylone cord. I've never used it as a storm trysail, but only as a riding sail at anchor, where it's too smsll to do much good. I rig that on the backstay with a halyard and 2 sheets. I might try a setup on the mast. The next thunderstorm I'm stuck in I plan to ride out at anchor, instead of sailing like a maniac with 75 knot winds. I don't have to worry about offshore storms.

Edited by - JohnP on 02/13/2009 10:34:29

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 02/13/2009 : 09:52:07

John,
Do you actually fly yours as shown in the picture? If so, how do you attach the head of the jib? Is there a track of some sort?

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 02/13/2009 : 09:57:49

... it would certainly reduce lee helm.

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JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 02/13/2009 : 10:40:33

Sorry, that picture shows the shape of the storm jib, but not how to fly it on our boats (without an extra babystay or a cutter rig).

It's hanked onto the forestay.

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Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 02/14/2009 : 11:36:50

John... How close to windward can you get (or do you think you can get) with the storm jib alone? I suspect it would be with substantial lee helm...

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/14/2009 : 11:44:13

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave Bristle
 John... How close to windward can you get (or do you think you can get) with the storm jib alone? I suspect it would be with substantial lee helm...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Having never used a storm sail before, I'm wondering if it could go to weather even with a double reefed main? I've been caught more than a few times in gale force winds (50mph) and the accompanying 6'-8' steep breaking waves, and I'm having a hard time imagining a double reefed main and storm jib can generate enough horsepower to overcome fierce winds and ugly seas.

Edited by - dlucier on 02/14/2009 11:45:03

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 02/14/2009 : 11:55:12

Lake sailors only have chop, so we make headway longer.

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Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 02/14/2009 : 11:57:56

In 50+, I'd be reluctant to go with a reefed main--I question whether it and the reefing gear could take the strain. That's when I'd want a storm trysail (or a bare pole). But I agree with the issue of pounding into big storm seas, not to mention tacking through them. And jibing 270 deg. as an alternative is tricky--you'd have to go abeam momentarily, which can be nasty. I've sailed a broad reach in (I'm guessing) some 30-40 conditions on a bare pole (with furled main) and genny fully rolled up--she was moving right along!

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 02/14/2009 12:02:51

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 02/14/2009 : 12:07:53

You wouldn't WANT to be going upwind in the waves created by gale force winds. That's why trysails and storm jibs are cut so flat. You're lucky if you'd get to a close reach - try it some time in 20 kt. winds and you'll see how they work. I had a friend who was going down the California coast and got caught off Pt. Conception in 30+ and he had his mainsail and jib up. He explained how hard and dangerous it was to turn upwind to get the main down, even with the engine full out (on his C34). I asked him why, when going downwind in heavy weather, he even had his main up. He didn't have an answer. Having searoom to leeward is a very good idea when it starts honkin'. If you don't, all you can and should do is try going close reach or beam reach (yes, hard in big waves). Or, stop the boat with the many alternatives available.

Edited by - Stu Jackson C34 on 02/14/2009 13:26:45

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2009 : 13:35:03

Dave,
I haven't tried sailing to weather on the storm jib alone.

Don,
The combination of reefed main and storm jib makes beating to windward in a strong breeze or near gale very comfortable, on my boat, at least.

This opinion is related to the definitions on the Beaufort Wind Scale:
Force 6 - 22-27 knots - Strong breeze
Force 7 - 28-33 knots - Near Gale
Force 8 - 34-40 knots - Gale
Force 9 - 41-47 knots - Strong Gale
Force 10 - 48-55 knots - Storm
Force 11 - 56-63 knots - Violent Storm
Force 12 - 64+ knots - Hurricane

I've only used my storm jib alone once in a gale, running downwind. I've never sailed in anything above that, thank goodness. I ran under bare poles in a thunderstorm downburst one time, drifting about 1/2 mile in 20-30 minutes, with 10 miles of searoom. I think the winds were between 60 & 75 knots that day. And as I mentioned previously, I will certainly drop anchor and go below in my next unlucky encounter with a thunderstorm downburst.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2009 : 16:38:22

Ah, downbursts... I got caught in what I guess is called a "microburst" in my daysailor on Long Island Sound--very confusing and a little scary! "Where the hell is the wind coming from??"

Edited by - on

Deric
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2009 : 16:52:46

I have a storm jib, and have not used it yet, although I could have used it last year.
First time out, I got caught in a thunderstorm and wanted to sail with only the jib . As the main sail was doused, the sheet got hung on the fire extinguisher located inside the cabin. The main came halfway down, and with the wind blowing my boat was forced to run with the wind - - without my accord to control the boat.

Storm lasted about 10 minutes, but it was a scary moment for me. Sheets were never draped inside the cabin ever again.

After reading this thread, I am going to sail with the storm job so I am familiar the manner the sail effects the boat.

Good points made herein.

Thanks
Deric

Edited by - on

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2009 : 18:51:51

Another reason to close the hatch when sailing, in addition to avoiding water in the cabin (from the wakes form you-know-who) if not from wind waves.

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