Sail strategy for windy race

[Stickinthemud57]

Winds upwards of 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph are forecast for tomorrow's race. I would be interested to get other's take on the strategy.

Boat is a 26S. I don't have much experience sailing in high winds, much less racing in them.

My sail options are:

104% jib
65% jib
Full main
Main at first reef point
Main at second reef point

If it works out in practice before the race, I might decide to reef on the upwind and unreef on the downwind. The crew has no experience with this, and I very little, so I think where it will end up is using the same configuration for both races.

Were you in my place, what strategy would you pursue?

[Russ]

65% jib
Double reef main.

Shake out a reef if winds are not that bad.

Shake out second reef if winds allow.


It's easier to add sail then to remove it.

Good luck. Take pics. Report back.

[Be Free]

That's the way I would do it. It's way easier (and faster and safer) to shake out a reef in lower than expected winds than it is to put in a reef in higher than expected winds. The speed you may lose by being under canvassed for a short time will probably be less than the speed you would lose trying to reef if you are over canvassed.

There is not a trophy, plaque, or award that is worth getting hurt over (you, your crew, or your boat).
Life is too short to miss an opportunity to have fun on a boat.
A day when you don't learn something is a wasted day.

Stay safe. Have fun. Learn. In that order.

[Stickinthemud57]

All very good advice, and thanks for chiming in!

Unfortunately, all moot at this point. A crew member had to beg off due to a stomach bug and other priorities prevailed, so no racing today.

[Gotro]

I use an old Hobiecat 16 jib for my Storm jib and place it on the inside forstay . It surprised me how much closer I could sail to windward with that set up

[Stickinthemud57]

Interesting. Someday I might consider adding a second forestay.

[Highlander]

Interesting. Someday I might consider adding a second forestay.

I agree with Russ , Storm jib & fully reefed Main
Why stop at a second fore stay



Four Furlers is a treat to behold + inboom outhaul + 3 reef points mainsail

An inner forestay is a treat for a Storm Jib wither furled or Hank on , I have the Harken non reefing furler drum #208, Top Swivel #207, I,m sure if u r patient u could find a good used set a lot cheaper or just use as a hank-on , A Jib is not to hard to tack with over the second forestay but a Genny can be a hassle at times unless it,s on a furler ,

U could also look for a used Harken furler or similar !
https://www.harken.com/en/shop/small-bo ... luff-wire/

J

hank on configuration for inner fore stay














Ur mast hound height will b determined by ur sails tack length u,ll want it to b min 4-6" longer than the sails tack length


Now if u wanna go with a solent rig here u go I figured that out also


Just throwin some Idea,s out there for u to ponder on u could use a harken #1134 with a #164 , ur Genny on the forestay , jib sail on this or a small used Drifter 200-250sqr ft

[Stickinthemud57]

Thanks!

I tend towards simplicity, but if I ever decide to start adding furlers and stays, I know you are the expert!