[C320-list] Rigging for 30+knts

[jpmesa at aol.com]

I not sure what point of sail you are talking about, but back when I lived in Hawaii it blew 20 to 35 all the time and it was important to get the mainsail reefs really flat. There is noting like a good 90 to 95% jib if you are sailing in a lot of wind.  As said before you can spill some of the air from the main using the traveler. When using a storm tri-sail we would never used the boom and ran the sheet to the rail which is a lot like spilling the air with the traveler.   I would think two reef would be enough with the right jib as long as you are not pounding to weather.    
If thing get really bad you can always for-reach with a reefed down mainsail.  John  Holokai 2





-----Original Message-----
From: Pat Ireland <cherie320 at gmail.com>
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Sent: Tue, Jul 13, 2010 12:35 pm
Subject: [C320-list] Rigging for 30+knts


All

What sail configuration do you carry for wind over 30 knts?

A double reefed main and a 110 jib are a bit much to control and are
impossible when the gusts approach 40knts.   Rolling in the jib to about 90%
helps, but the weather helm is so heavy that additional reduction of the
main seems appropriate.

The second reef point brings the head down below the top spreader.  Is
adding a third reef viable?  Should we be furling the main and using only a
headsail?  Or is it engine only time?  My understanding is that using a spar
to support the sail area in a blow is best, but the balance does not appear
to allow that approach.

Your experience and suggestions are appreciated.  Right now, we run away and
go home.   That's just no fun at all.

Pat, 801