Prepping for Irma, dropping the RF jib

[skipmac]

Boat is on the hard in N FL but I need to strip it down, especially the sails. Have a roller furling jib I want to remove but the yard has a strict rule no hoisting or unfurling sails on the hard (and I don't argue with the logic of that rule).

So how to get the jib down? Have a Harken RF.

First idea is to get a PVC pole, hook it to the clew of the sail and roll the sail up around itself using the pole as a handle as I unroll the sail from the furler. Once unrolled, loose the halyard and let it fall. Sounds like workable to me.

Plan B, go to the yard late in the evening when the wind is usually dead calm, make sure one's looking and quickly unroll and drop the jib. Obviously only if it's very, very calm.

Plan C. Unpin the forestay, remove the drum assembly and slide the jib down around the stay still rolled up. It's been a few years since I assembled and installed the Harken so not sure if this is technically feasible.

So any comments on these ideas? Suggestions or other ideas?


Thanks
Skip

[neilpride]

Plan B , my 2 cents,,, late in the night if you feel better...

[Cherod]

B for me

[Island Time O25]

Plan B with a standby case of beer for any yard employees who happen to be up this late.

[DeepFrz]

Plan B.

[omc]

Plan B, without doubt. Bring people with you to help, to get the job done quickly, also to watch around just in case. Good luck.

[Pete7]

Always easier to beg forgiveness afterwards rather than risk asking for permission beforehand. Plan B.

Pete

[SteveSails]

Plan B, If the yard complains tell them 'would you rather I take it down now in no wind or wait for a 100knt wind to take it down boat and all?'

[Pete O Static]

Who Cares what the yard says. If I had a boat next to yours, I would be very thankful that you took the sails down, along with BBQ's, Fenders, Dinghies, Bimini's, solar panels, wind generators and all the other stuff people leave up during a hurricane.

[model 10]

We are on the hard there too, if you're next to us, go ahead and do it. If you are at GCSM, did you undo the forestay to fit the lift? I wish ours was back together properly.

[skipmac]

OK. Just got back from dinner to a bunch of replies. Thanks to all.

First another bit of info. I'm stuck in New England so imposing on my partner and a friend to go do the dirty work on the boat.

Plan B was my choice but just checked marine weather for north FL and seems a cold front just passed through and winds forecast +/- 20 kts through the weekend and leading edge of Irma due Sunday night or Monday. So looking like a calm evening won't be on the books. Unrolling the jib if it's blowing 20, even with loose sheets would make me a bit nervous.

Called the marina today but for some reason they were a bit busy so couldn't get through to the yard manager. Calling again first thing in the am but meanwhile looking a little closer at the other options.,

[Sailmonkey]

I know hindsight is 20/20.....or maybe I'm paranoid.....but I don't even haul for a bottom job with the sail on the furler.


Even with the imperfect forecast, I still vote for option B. There will be lulls and the sail should be on the deck or ground in less than a minute if you're ready for it.

Besides at least this way you have some control of it, rather than letting a hurricane take it down when it feels like it.

[snokid]

just did plan b, 2 crew I bet it wasn't 30 seconds and it was off the boat...

[SailFastTri]

Originally Posted by snokid

just did plan b, 2 crew I bet it wasn't 30 seconds and it was off the boat...

Good move. Good luck to you guys

[ontherocks83]

you need 3 people. Unpin the clue, have one person unfurl and as soon as it is unfurled have another immediately release the halyard while you pull on the clew like a M.F.

Done in 30 seconds or less while no one is the wiser.