recommendations for size of heavy weather jib for Typhoon?

[John383]

Hi everyone,
We sail in Penobscot Bay and it seems the last few years its been blowing harder! Frequently despite a reefed main, a regular working jib is too much for TapTap. (Although I will point out that we are often the only boat out in these conditions with 2 sails up...amazing what a trooper she is in heavy winds for such a small boat). Anyway, it seems like a smaller heavy weather jib would be ideal for these conditions.... maybe not so small as a "storm jib" (read: handkerchief sized) ....does anyone use something like this, and if so- what dimensions? I saw on ebay a "storm jib" as follows...maybe this is good but seems too small?

Luff 7' 6"
Leach 6' 6"
Foot 4'2"

[Paul D.]

I had good sailing in up to 35 knots in my Typhoon with a double reefed main and working jib. If you only have one reef in the main I'd consider adding a second reef and trying that with the working job.

Last fall I did a bunch of upwind work in 35knots with partially reefed new genoa (Harken roller furling man!) and double reefed main. She rolled right along. A working jib would have probably helped me point a little higher, but after 14 years with the old genny it was bliss.

[John383]

Thanks so much for the reply and suggestion! Do you jiffy reef? Do you run lines permanently through both reefing points or just move the rigging from one to the other as you decide whether (or "weather"!) to use single vs. double reef? JW

[Paul D.]

John,

I used jiffy reefing set ups on both my old Typhoon and currently on Femme. They work and keep the friction on the lines to a minimum. I also think the best way to rig this set up is with all lines run to the foot of the mast - halyard, reefing line etc. Then you do all work in one place. On the Ty this is a little weird as the halyards come back to the companionway. Still, the distance is so small you could almost stand in the companionway and reef.

On the Typhoon, I think I had one reef line rigged and would usually set up the reef line in the second reef if needed before heading out. On Femme, there are dedicated reefing lines permanently rigged for both first and second reefs, and I use them both too. I do need to make a better solution for the tack hook/sail connection, but that's another story. It works and I find that on both the Ty and Femme, shortening the main really helps the boat move through the water well as the wind pipes up. Thus I reef pretty early, first reef around 15 knots of wind and second in anything over 20 generally. In my experience Femme goes just as fast and with much less heel and weather helm. Finds a groove and goes, sometimes with the full genny which I reckon is around a 135%

On our boats, we have to balance the additional weight and complication of added fixed lines up the sail vs how often a second reef would actually be used in a situation where you are out and need to shorten sail.

[Jim Walsh]

I don't have any Ty experience but "reef early and reef often" is the old advice which pertains to all of us. Damn good advice too, although I still find myself waiting too long before the first reef goes in. Usually I'm better at getting that second one in on time.

[Keith]

The other applicable advice is "if you think it might be time to reef, then it is"

Keith