Hi,
Anyone have any experience with a good jib size for a C16 in heavy weather? I was thinking about getting a storm jib for next year, I would like an option smaller than the standard jib which looks like a 110-130 size. I have a reef line in my new main, and I would like an option for a smaller headsail as well. For personal preference I am looking into a smaller sail rather than a big jib which could he furled down.
Thanks for any input,
Jason
Jason,
Consider a quick release forestay that mounts to the deck just aft of the furling drum onto which you attach a hanked on jib (with downhaul). The jib could be a "storm" jib or better yet, assuming a 110% furled "Lapper", perhaps an 80% heavy cloth type WITH A SET OF REEF POINTS to serve as a Storm Jib when necessary. Now you have a "System" of reduced area Jibs to better match the wind conditions and balance the rig. The forestay is stored attached to the shrouds or mast base until needed.
I've had such quick release stays on several boats and find them quite useful indeed.
capt_nemo
I just made a quick and easy storm jib out of my old Johnson sail. This original sail has seen better days but instead of discarding it, I cut it down aprox 50% right below seam. Then installed new brass gromets. It was free and I got to test it last week in heavy gusts. It worked great. I was hitting 6 knots with it and the reef main until wind got too strong and I had to drop main. The standard jib 110% from National sails is much smaller than the original jib that came with boat (in 87). So I use that as a moderate to heavy air jib. Then if it gets real bad I switch to the storm jib.