Re: (Mis)Adventures with a new Genoa

Bill Combs (ttursine@earthlink.net)
Mon, 08 Nov 1999 10:49:43 -0600

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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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> HI Webgang,
>
> Yesterday was the first time we ever flew our new 150% genoa. We never had
> such a large sail before. It's a danged tent compared to our other sails.
>
> ...
>
> The genoa is really cool, and I think we're going to love sailing it. But the
> first day was pretty funny.
>
> Fair winds, Judy B
>

Not to worry, Judy. Solar Fry's cautions aside, the 150 genny is a
wonderful sail. I use it almost all the time.

As with many other things in life, using it successfully is a matter of
timing, which translates, of course, into practice. But you knew that.

I fly the big headsail in most conditions up to 16 to 18 (sometimes 20)
knots, reefing the main once or twice as necessary to stay upright.

As to muscle required, I do have winches installed but have _never_ used
them. Most of the time I can grunt the sheet in, but while beating in the
higher ranges may have to luff to adjust. As Solar Fry implies, timing and
caution helps here.

I love my genoa! :-)

Regards,

Bill Combs
WWP 19 #439 (Aug 1987)
"Ursa Minor"
Fort Walton Beach FL
ttursine@earthlink.net