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Bash · 13-03-2011, 12:16

one in-mast furling main,
one 110% jib
one 85% jib
one #3 gennnaker

smurphny · 13-03-2011, 12:40

2 mains
Trysail
Asymmetrical Spinnaker (Flasher)
Genoa
Working Jib
Storm Jib
Finding space always a challenge but I think this is the minimum sail assortment I feel comfortable with. The asymmetrical could probably stay home because it's really too scary to handle single-handed without someone to keep the boat headed in the right direction. Considering a sock which may make it possible.

beetle · 13-03-2011, 12:45

masthead sloop, I'm from a racing background, 14 sails, I like to be able to sail when possible. For my boat, the inventory below will keep us moving well as long as we have more than 4 knots when going upwind and more than 6 knots when going downwind. With less wind than that (and an ocean swell rolling through) it becomes more or a challenge to keep the boat moving:

two mains (primary, backup)
headsails: no. 1,2,3,4, jib top
storm jib, trysail
symmetric spinnakers: 0.5, 0.75, 1.5 shy kite
windseeker (no. 4 headsail shape built out of 2.2 oz mylar/kevlar)
downwind twins (2x155% jib tops built of 1.5 oz nylon)

the sails that get the most use:
mainsail, no. 2 and no. 4 headsails, 0.75 and 1.5 kites.

less used:
Jib top and downwind twins on downwind tradewind passages.
windseeker when there is absolutely no wind in the middle of the ocean
no. 1 is great for upwind in < 10 knots wind
no. 3 is used to get upwind in 18-30 knots and lumpy conditions
0.5 oz kite - really soft downwind conditions, often use 0.75 kite instead and reach more

never used for real (though used often enough for fun):
storm jib, trysail

For a bare bones cruising inventory on a masthead sloop, I'd suggest a main & backup main with 3 reefs, storm jib & trysail, no. 2 (135% LP) and no. 4 (85% LP) headsail, 0.75 spinnaker with ATN sock. You will be slow in lighter conditions 60-120 degrees apparent wind and that's where a jib top or drifter can pay handsome dividends. Beyond 120 apparent in less than 12-15 knots you're looking at running a spinnaker to keep boat speed up.

Carry spares, such as sail repair tape and material, spare batten stock, spare mainsail cars/slugs, clew rings, cringles, etc., and the tools to keep the inventory operational.

- rob/beetle

PamlicoTraveler · 13-03-2011, 12:51

Beetle...where do you sleep? On your sails?

We have main, staysail, 90% and 135% jibs, and a drifter (spinnaker weight headsail)

**estarzinger** · 13-03-2011, 12:52

Mainsail
Trysail (I consider optional, Beth considers essential)

105% working jib (on roller furler)
Code Zero (Love it use it a lot)
A2 Asymmetrical (previously used it alot, but since getting the zero, not so much)
Blast Reacher (use as a 'twin' for two headsails downwind - use a lot in the tropics)

#4 (on inner stay - use a lot)
Storm jib (on inner stay, use only in +40kts, which is not very frequent but consider essential)
Hurricane jib (even smaller, never used, will probably stop carrying)

beetle · 13-03-2011, 14:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by PamlicoTraveler

Beetle...where do you sleep? On your sails?

Only if it's a gorgeous night and I want to crash out in the sail locker with the foredeck hatch open so I can watch the stars

The boat has a large open sail locker up forward, the sails are usually arranged as:

main (on the boom)
storm jib, trysail - duffel bags, lashed upright forward in locker against hull
no. 3, no. 4 - dufffel bags, lashed upright aft in locker against hull
no. 1, no. 2 - duffel bags, standing upright in locker
kites - suitcase bags, standing upright in locker
windseeker - suitcase bag, on top of sails forward end of locker
jib top, windseeker, duffel bags, laying about (usually off to starboard)

On passages I'll pull out the two sails most-likely-to-be-used-next (if wind goes up or down) and set them up on the main cabin sole, When changing headsails I'll bag the sail being dropped into a sausage bag as it's a lot of work to brick and bag a headsail on deck - much easier to lay it out in along the lifelines, sort-of flake the sail, and then zip up the sausage bag around the headasail. Now I have a 20' long tube that can be dragged around the deck or stuffed down the hatch and snaked back up forth in the locker.

Also up in the sail locker are fore & aft stainless rails with the running rigging hung from them, the inflatable dinghy (bagged, standing on end, lashed to the bulkhead the forms the aft end of the sail locker), and the head holding tank.

What I don't have up forward is a V-berth; there are four bunks on the boat: single bunks in main cabin port & starboard (these are actually the dinette and settee benches with lee cloths), with large bunk aft for two people - that's where I sleep and the only 'permanant' bunk.

- rob/beetle

**roverhi** · 13-03-2011, 15:25

Main with 3 reef points.
135% heavy cloth furling genoa.
100% jib
Gale Sail storm jib.
Asymetrical Spinnaker with Sock.

May take a light material 150% genoa as I head north. It takes up little space when flaked properly.

Have used the 135% almost exclusively with brief stints with the Asym. The 135% is a space hog when it's not on the furler because of the heavy cloth.