Seeking update on Genoa only thread

Chip · Post by **Chip** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 2:36 pm

Since the most recent thread in which no one expressed any problems with sailing under a jib or genoa alone, has anyone had any problems or does the consensus remain that doing so is fun and trouble free? I have yet to embark on my first Mac sail (power only to date) and to keep it simple I want to use the genoa-on-roller-furler by itself. Just seeking confirmation that this is not a bad idea (and I have read the prior threads and the linked article on the subject of "bendy masts"). Thanks.

Chip S.

Jack O'Brien · Post by **Jack O'Brien** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 9:24 pm

Sailing with the genoa only works for me and I have seen a number of other Macs of classic, X and M types do it. Some folks think the mainsail is needed to provide back pull on the mast, but aft shrouds and spreaders do that and the backstay is there, on the X, for more support. I have sailed with spinnaker only, also.

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 5:26 am

Chip - its a great way to enjoy the boat with family on board in the cockpit - you dont have the main sheet and boom to worry about and you can also see any traffic easier.

One of my favourite trips is to motor about 15 miles from home down to Catskill NY, overnight camp, wake up to breakfast at Urzulas in Athens NY, then catch a south wind /tide and Genoa back up the river in the morning to home!

I can do 4 mph under a 150 Genoa only, more if Im on run in a good breeze.

It is a lot easier to handle than the spinnaker since you can quickly roll it up imho

Moe · Post by **Moe** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 9:29 am

Do you have a sock on the spinnaker?

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Moe

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 12:45 pm

Do you have a sock on the spinnaker?

On my Christmas list

Moe · Post by **Moe** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 1:14 pm

You should point out that being able to dowse the spinnaker quickly is a safety issue!

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Moe

Harry van der Meer · Post by **Harry van der Meer** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 1:41 pm

Sailing on a reach or running with the Genoa only works very well and we have done this many times in great comfort.

However, running in a light breeze, with waves coming from behind, I strongly recommend a whisker pole as the "banging" of the sail will put a lot of stress on the rigging and, I imagine, the sail.

Chip · Post by **Chip** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 3:51 pm

Thanks for all of the info!

Stephen,

I used to live a Spartan existence in your neck of the woods on the west bank of the Hudson looking over at Bear Mountain, if you catch my drift. I was a wild man and a rebel in those days, so I only lasted for two years before heading to warmer climes. I imagine that the scenery on your Hudson sails is really something.

Chip S.

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 4:11 pm

The Hudson is pretty snarly up near Albany, 15 miles south where we hail from is New Baltimore where I would describe it as a Bird Sanctuary.

Eagles, Heron, Cormorants, Osprey, Harriers all fly over us while we sail.

Down near the Southern reaches the cliffs reach out of the water and it is spectacular - even without chemical aids....

Then back to Nyack, Gotham and the Big City scene...

quite a nice trip - watch for the freightors!!

Come up anytime Chip...-5F today though.....of course, all the Canadians and MN and WI guys are coming here for the warm weather....

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

Seeking update on Genoa only thread

Seeking update on Genoa only thread

Genoa Only