Sail Inventory for Caribbean Cruising

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Tom and Maje

Mark, we've hit very light winds, and during our sail from Deshaies to Les Saints, we got a west wind. Not what we usually get, but it can happen.

Maje

Totally zippo last night too. In fact I got too close to the boat next to me and our dinghies tried to have a kiss.

But its sure not often and usually predicted

...oh, and I don't let an occasional fact destroy a generalisation I'm making

[rosatte]

You gonna want to have 3 reefing points in ur main sail...

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by rosatte

You gonna want to have 3 reefing points in ur main sail...

Why?



M

[rosatte]

Spend some time in the alantic and ull find out y.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by rosatte

Spend some time in the alantic and ull find out y.

I have.

More than you. So tell me why.

[UNCIVILIZED]

For me, & this covers most places, the patent answer is:
Main w. 3 Reefs
#2 Jib (135%) on the furler (& yep, padded luff)
Solent (~80%) with detachable stay (or staysail)
Trysail, w. independent track (I'm old school)

Then, the Fun Sails:
Drifter, to hank onto the Solent stay. In lieu of a Spinnaker
Spinnakers of all flavors, you pick. But say, a Code 0, & a Runner
Windseeker Jib (free flying or hank on) - Ditto on a similar Main

And the FUBAR Sails:
Storm Jib or Staysail(s)


From there, add as; wallet, storage room, & energy for sail changing allows.

[Lizzy Belle]

Originally Posted by UNCIVILIZED

From there, add

Add to that list? Wow

I only have a main, genoa & poles ... and I wasn't planning on adding more then a FUBAR sail for them days I end up crying inside and the boat has to fend for herself

Should get me wherever I want to go, methinks (the sails, that is. The crying is probably won't accomplish much. But since I don't have a 3rd reef (other then 'down you come') in my main, I seem to have a reason to cry )

[Nicholson58]

We are totally ready with the light air inventory. Leaving Michigan in the spring. See you all on the east coast - Carib in the fall.

GO BLUE

[roland stockham]

Yes you do get light winds occasionally, got less that 10knts for more that a week in 2010, but that is what the engine is for! However I would not sail any boat without a heavy weather jib unless I knew she would go to weather under main only (rare). Gear and sails do break!

[Getweh]

Originally Posted by roland stockham

Yes you do get light winds occasionally, got less that 10knts for more that a week in 2010, but that is what the engine is for! However I would not sail any boat without a heavy weather jib unless I knew she would go to weather under main only (rare). Gear and sails do break!

Ditto.

[robert sailor]

[QUOTE=roland stockham;2052720]Yes you do get light winds occasionally, got less that 10knts for more that a week in 2010, but that is what the engine is for! However I would not sail any boat without a heavy weather jib unless I knew she would go to weather under main only (rare). Gear and sails do break![/QUOT

I understand your personal requirements but remember we are talking about the Caribbean and one really doesn't need storm sails here.

[robgrant1]

Originally Posted by roland stockham

Yes you do get light winds occasionally, got less that 10knts for more that a week in 2010, but that is what the engine is for! However I would not sail any boat without a heavy weather jib unless I knew she would go to weather under main only (rare). Gear and sails do break!

Yes, I probably should price a storm jib; as you say, "Gear and sails do break." Unfortunately, so do banks

[maine50]

I think it's irresponsible to suggest that a 2 sail inventory is normal or prudent for sailing to the Caribbean esp if foresail is a rolled up genoa. I know very experienced sailors "can do" it but that doesn't make it smart or safe. JMO--
Tim (and yes I've sailed to the caribbean)

[robgrant1]

Originally Posted by maine50

I think it's irresponsible to suggest that a 2 sail inventory is normal or prudent for sailing to the Caribbean esp if foresail is a rolled up genoa. I know very experienced sailors "can do" it but that doesn't make it smart or safe. JMO--
Tim (and yes I've sailed to the caribbean)

Would you add a storm jib then?

[Zanshin]

Originally Posted by Tom and Maje

Mark, we've hit very light winds, and during our sail from Deshaies to Les Saints, we got a west wind. Not what we usually get, but it can happen.
Maje

There is almost always a west wind between Deshaies and the southwest point with the lighthouse on the leeward side of Guadeloupe during the day. This is due to the land/mountain shape and the backwind usually stops and reverts to the prevailing wind direction around sunset.
Regarding westerly winds, I can only think of one way that this happens here - a tropical depression between June and November coming through just to the north of your location