Gale Sail

[redcobra]

Any comments on the ATN Gale Sail?

Dropping the Genoa from the furler and fitting a smaller jib is a cumbersome process. Rolling up more than 20% gives a poor shape. So... Gale Sail?

I searched the forum but didn't come up with anything.

[daedaluscan]

I think the idea is basically sound but I will be going with a Solent Stay.

Seems to be more popular in Europe, basically an inner forestay that is almost at the headstay so does not require running backs.

[camaraderie]

A good choice...BUT...you have to have plenty of extra line on your furling drum to take extra turns to get the sheets down LOW. Also you must roll it up tightly. This combination will allow the gale sail to hoist easily, which is of prime importance. The sail itself is well made and this is a good solution for a sloop for heavy weather.

[Serrano]

I had a Gale Sail for my 33ft Seawind 1000 cat. I used it twice "in anger" - each time it was easy to set and performed really well. The one time I didn't use it, the 2/3 furled roller jib set like a dog, making Serrano hard to handle compared to with the Gale Sail. I have the sheets permanently attached to the GS, so I use a couple of sail ties to keep the sheets from the furled jib secure and out of the way at the base of the forestay.