Getting a furled sail to set

[Greene]

The last time B and I had our Com-Pac 23/3 out we ran into a couple of really strong gusts.  We had the second round-up of our sailing career as a matter of fact.  Water right over the coaming and too much heel aren't exactly our favorite things in sailing.  As I wrote in our blog, Brenda's "MICHAEL, THAT IS FAR ENOUGH!" was her best to date.

My question concerns getting a partially furled headsail to set decently.  We understand it won't have a perfect shape, but we had issues with keeping it pulling in anything other than a beam reach.  I have read that we should have moved the genoa cars all the way forward and we'll try that next time.  Any other tips or tricks?


Still learning,

Mike and B

[Salty19]

LOL...I get the same from Admiral Becky, but have only rounded up once with her onboard the 19.  That day saw strong winds and I was feeling brave.  It wasn't nearly as dramatic as rounded up in the 16..that boat would heel WAY over during those situations almost to the point of tossing you overboard should you not be ready for it.

To obtain the best block position on the genny tracks, draw an imaginary line from the center of the luff to your genoa track.  At that location is where the block should be placed.

To depower slightly, move them back which will release tension on the upper portion of the sail.  To depower more, move them well forward of the centerline mark which will depower the lower portion of the jib.  For strong winds, I would suggest moving them well forward and of course reefing the main sail.

Unfortunately because when you furl, the imaginary line just got moved to point in the aft direction as the centerline drops downwards.  So you're blocks will be further aft when partially furled.

I find my boat doesn't point quite as high when the jib is furled a bit.  Airflow over the luff is not as smooth.
Be sure to tension the luff as well.  Light tension for light air...tight for heavy air.

Also the position of the mainsail impacts airflow over the jib.  I've found that if I sheet in the main too much, it disturbs the flow over the jib.  Admittedly I haven't played around with this as much as I've wanted, but seems to be the case.

Another idea is to see if your sail is bagged in the center area.  If so, could be due for refurbuishing or replacement.

[Greene]

Thanks Salty. 

I agree about rounding up in a 16.  That was our other round up and boy it happens in a hurry.  The 19 never even came close to rounding up, so we were a little surprised at the 23's willingness to turn so hard into the wind.  We are still afloat and ready to keep learning.

Your point about the sail being bagged out is well taken.  These sails are serviceable, but certainly a bit on the old and stretched out side.  We can't complain as we purchased Wrinkles awfully cheaply and it leaves room for new sails in the future. 

Mike and B

[jpfx]

furlers are notorious for loss of shape/efficiency once furled over 25% or so.
my experiences follow but I am by no means a good sailor so I could be plain wrong on some/all points.

it should be sheeted hard with the blocks as far back as they'll go. however, as you mentioned that the sails might be bagged, they'll flutter like no one's business and interfere with the air flow of the main so much that there's a much finer angle where everything is 'in the slot'. If it's gusty then to stay in the slot you should preempt the gust arriving and allow the boat to point higher. If it all goes wrong, that's a good case for being over-canvassed for the conditions.
either put the reefs in the main and keep the furler out or furl it completely and run on main alone. both will lead to a distinct lack or forward motion BUT the boat will stay upright and be more comfortable.