Backup for Roller Furling Headsail

[jkindredpdx]

I don't have much experience with offshore cruising, but I'm gradually venturing farther afield. Since folk on the forum write about head sails flogging to tatters in heavy winds, I'm guessing I should have some backup in case my roller fulling genny fails or to use instead of the genny partially furled. My boat has steel wire halyards and I wondered if I could shackle that unused steel jib halyard to the deck aft my furling as an emergency or alternate forestay. Figured I could hank <100% or storm jib there. Any recommendations concerning sail sizes, or is this just a stupid idea?

[Vasco]

You would need a chainplate on the deck to take the load and some checkstays on the mast. Might do in an emergency. I would not put a lot of canvas on this. I think you'd be better off taking care with your roller furler and if you really wanted a spare headsail.

I think Webb Chiles went around the world with a main and a furling headsail. But then he also sailed around the world in a 18 foot open boat, or two.