A Storm Re-evaluates a Project Idea

22 September 2013

For a while now, J.'s been wondering how to deal with the jibs: both the genoa and the 75% jib. We made bags for them that allow the sails to remain hanked on the fore-stay, while still being bagged. This does alleviate storing them on deck, or down below. However, we can only store one in this fashion. In addition, the bags provide extra windage, and with the bow pulpit is always sort of in the way.

So, this is how they end up being stored.

Ok. So they usually are not one on top of the other just like this, but ... Even when tied down (they always are when we're out) it is not an ideal situation.

J. thought that by adding the "shelving" behind the engine in the engine room, it could provide a place to store the sails. No longer would there be any danger of them falling into the turning prop-shaft. (J. has been so scared of anything falling into the prop shaft, that nothing was stored back there.) However, the sail-bags don't really fit past the engine, at least not without the possibility of tearing on something, or knocking some wiring loose.

What to do?

J. then ran across an article about making your own roller furling. Now that would be an idea. If the geona stored on the roller furling, then it would clear the deck of the biggest sail bag. In addition, J. has been wanting a lapper (or 110%) jib. Partly furled, the geona could provide this. If the 75% jib could be set flying (without hanking on), then the genoa could be furled, and the smaller jib flown when needed. When not in use, maybe a new smaller bag could be made so it would better fit into the engine room for storage? 

Hmm ... sounds like the beginning of a cunning plan.

Today a seasonally early storm blew through. This was one of the results:

Now, it was the only jib to blow out. However, there were three or four others J. noticed that were starting to come loose. It is one thing for this to happen in a marina, another while at sea. And then another issue when needing to clear an island with not a lot of sea room.

J's back to the drawing board again.