194 seamanship secrets
(mule), working jib, or spitfire (storm jib): A lapper is a small, short-luff,
high-clewed genoa with a 110% to 130% overlap. It provides excellent power
in a chop combined with good visibility under the foot.
In either event, reposition the sheet lead blocks: Especially with high-
clewed headsails, you may need to move headsail blocks forward to keep the
leech from flogging.
ADDITIONAL SAIL REDUCTION OPTIONS
Sail under mainsail alone (beating or reaching). If you choose to sail
under mainsail alone, you must still have the ability to point, tack, and
maneuver. No boat will point as high under mainsail alone. But you won’t
have to worry about headsail trim or venturing onto a wet, pitching foredeck
to change a sail or remove a knot from a jammed furling unit. Sail under
mainsail alone in calmer weather to make sure you have good control on
all points of sail.
Sail under headsail or staysail alone (reaching or running). You will
need lots of sea room to sail under a solitary headsail, with no possibility that
you may need to sail to windward to stay off of a dangerous lee shore. Sailing
under headsail alone when reaching often balances the helm to fingertip
pressure. You no longer must concern yourself with taking another reef in
the mainsail. If you choose to sail under genoa, you will want to raise the
genoa tack 12 to 18 inches off the deck with a wire-rope pendant. This will
give you good visibility under the foot, and a boarding sea won’t stress the
sail seams. Ask your sailmaker to make up one or two wire-rope pendants
with eyes and stainless shackles in each end.
KEEP FURLING GENOAS
FURLED IN HEAVY AIRX Roller furling ranks as one of sailing’s greatest innovations.
It’s also very complex, needs periodic maintenance, and jams
unexpectedly. Furling sails set and perform well when completely
unfurled. When they’re partially rolled to reefed positions, however,
windward performance suffers. For extended cruising, consider a
removable forestay just inboard of the furling drum. If you need to
work to weather in a blow, furl your genoa, set the forestay, and
hank on a working jib or storm sail.