Storm sails and rigging

[RaqLake1916]

Hello,

I have a relatively new beneteau 20 footer. The lake I sail on for whatever reason has some serious wind; 20-30knts average... My current setup has a square top main with 1 reef point and a roller furling jib. The main is overpowered almost everyday I've been out, even sometimes with the one reef in. I've tried every depower maneuver in the book. My jib is good when furled almost all the way in. This got me thinking-maybe I could just use some storm sails and save myself all the aggravation? Is this a bad idea?



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[roverhi]

Take your main to a sailmaker and have them install a 2nd and even a third reef. If the prevailing wind on the lake is typically 20k and higher, having a set of smaller sails wouldn't be a bad idea. Very common in SF Bay where the wind off the city front is 2nd reef force practically every day except the winter.

[RaqLake1916]

That was my thoughts exactly.. Thank you


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[barnakiel]

Add reef points on the mainsail.

Make sure there is a decent foam luff pad on the jib.

Try to keep her flat while sailing - will reduce forces on tiller.

Use main traveler before using sheets - keep the sails flat, you want max forward pull at minimum heeling force.

If she sails fine at 15kts, you may need only roughly 1/3 of this sail area at 30kts.

b.