Amazing sail today!

[rsbensonxj]

Had her out in more windy conditions than I have seen all summer. Winds were 15-20 mph with max gust at 31. Had a reef in the main and the headsail partially furled. The 19 handled it like a dream. With the reef still felt very stable and planted. Only once did we catch a large enough gust that I almost let out the sheet to de-power. Such a blast!

Now that it is  September in Wyoming sailing season will end soon. What do you in harsh winter weather locations do for boat storage? Thanks.

[marc]

Those sails are always fun & the great feeling stays with you for a long while.

I cover my boat with a tarp that I hang over a pvc pipe frame. Here are some photos. I bind together the frame tubes wherever they intersect with 4 or 5 wraps of strapping tape. If you want more specifics, let me know. I have lots of photos I can post.

The cover has withstood 60 mile an hour winds with no problem.
Marc

[rsbensonxj]

Beautiful boat Marc! I love the hull color.

Do you have your mast in the center PVC pipe?

[marc]

The mast is stored elsewhere on saw horses.

[rsbensonxj]

Marc, what are your thoughts on having the mast as support for the tarp. I unfortunately don't have the space for separate storage of the mast and boat. I could keep the mast up, I have seen some boom tarps/covers advertised on line. Another option would be using the mast for the center support. Though I am not sure what type of lateral stress that would place assuming snow accumulation on the tarp. Though it seems your design would prevent any significant accumulation to place additional undue weight on stress on the mast.

[marc]

I think using the mast as the center pole would work just fine. If you have any doubts at all, just put a support at the mast step & make another one to sit in the cockpit. Easy to do. Here are mine.

[rsbensonxj]

Looks great. Thanks again for you help. I think I will try and work this out. What size tarp did you use to get coverage like that.

[marc]

I use a square pool cover. Cover is designed for a pool 12' x 24' but tarp size overall is 17' x 29'. I get it at a discount box store (Ocean State Job Lot) for about $54.
Marc