We have a Northshore 27 (2300kg) and have recently moved to Callala Bay (on Jervis Bay). We are finding that it is quite a bit windier down there compared to Sydney Harbour. We have left the one reef in the main the whole time we have been down there. Now we have swapped our No. 1 headsail with an older No. 3 (9.12 square metres). Last Friday we went sailing and we were still overpowered (20-25 knots) with the No.3 headsail, main reefed and main traveller out. Would it be worth us getting another reef sewn in main or would that be a waste of time considering I can let traveller out further and let the main luff more. If we were to get another reef at what point will there be an inbalance between both sails thereby causing weather helm etc
Putting an extra reef spot in is not too expensive, depending on the age of the sail. I had my old main (20 years old) repaired a few times at North Sails, but I am sure there are many other places in Sydney that could do it for you for probably a bit cheaper.
You can never have too many reef points, but it has to be an easy task. My old main had 3 reefing points, the new one has 2. But the boom and mast are setup for 2 reef points, so it is now simpler. The 2nd reef point is a long way up, so I only have less than 40% of my original sail area left when on the 2nd. But probably as important is getting the head sail area to suit so the boat is balanced. A furling head sail does make it easier to balance the boat to suit the amount of main you have up. If the main is constantly inside out, then you are needing another reef point.
Each boat design is different, the light weight and relatively tall rig of the NS27 is always going to result in a lively performer in a breeze. For me (in a much heavier boat, approx 4500kg), a full main and #1 to 18 knots, full main and #2 furler to 25 knots, 1st reef and #2 to 35 knots, then #3 furler and 2 reefs. Unless we are racing, if we need a #3, it all comes down and we motor from there.
Welcome to the windiest part of NSW. I would think that 2 reefs would be the minimum. I only use a No2 sized headsail. There used to be another NS27 there. Check what he does. 25 knots NE is pretty much the default summer breeze in JB. Should be easing off from now on but I see we are having a couple more days of it.
Select to expand quoteEC31 said..
Putting an extra reef spot in is not too expensive, depending on the age of the sail. I had my old main (20 years old) repaired a few times at North Sails, but I am sure there are many other places in Sydney that could do it for you for probably a bit cheaper.
You can never have too many reef points, but it has to be an easy task. My old main had 3 reefing points, the new one has 2. But the boom and mast are setup for 2 reef points, so it is now simpler. The 2nd reef point is a long way up, so I only have less than 40% of my original sail area left when on the 2nd. But probably as important is getting the head sail area to suit so the boat is balanced. A furling head sail does make it easier to balance the boat to suit the amount of main you have up. If the main is constantly inside out, then you are needing another reef point.
Each boat design is different, the light weight and relatively tall rig of the NS27 is always going to result in a lively performer in a breeze. For me (in a much heavier boat, approx 4500kg), a full main and #1 to 18 knots, full main and #2 furler to 25 knots, 1st reef and #2 to 35 knots, then #3 furler and 2 reefs. Unless we are racing, if we need a #3, it all comes down and we motor from there.
Is that on a Eastcoast 31 ? I,m assuming you mean apparent wind speed ? But even so ...The 1st reef and#2 to 35 knots would have most yachts on their ear ! What's going on ! Modified keel ?
Select to expand quoteEC31 said..
Putting an extra reef spot in is not too expensive, depending on the age of the sail. I had my old main (20 years old) repaired a few times at North Sails, but I am sure there are many other places in Sydney that could do it for you for probably a bit cheaper.
You can never have too many reef points, but it has to be an easy task. My old main had 3 reefing points, the new one has 2. But the boom and mast are setup for 2 reef points, so it is now simpler. The 2nd reef point is a long way up, so I only have less than 40% of my original sail area left when on the 2nd. But probably as important is getting the head sail area to suit so the boat is balanced. A furling head sail does make it easier to balance the boat to suit the amount of main you have up. If the main is constantly inside out, then you are needing another reef point.
Each boat design is different, the light weight and relatively tall rig of the NS27 is always going to result in a lively performer in a breeze. For me (in a much heavier boat, approx 4500kg), a full main and #1 to 18 knots, full main and #2 furler to 25 knots, 1st reef and #2 to 35 knots, then #3 furler and 2 reefs. Unless we are racing, if we need a #3, it all comes down and we motor from there.
interesting stuff, think i will get another reef for sure
wow, not sure whether I could even sail in 35 knots with our boat, maybe with a storm sail.
Select to expand quoteRamona said..
Welcome to the windiest part of NSW. I would think that 2 reefs would be the minimum. I only use a No2 sized headsail. There used to be another NS27 there. Check what he does. 25 knots NE is pretty much the default summer breeze in JB. Should be easing off from now on but I see we are having a couple more days of it.
Yes, it seems that way, i don't mind the higher winds, but want to power the boat correctly.
Its a great practice ground for high wind coastal sailing.
When October comes around and those big westerly's come out in JB, it always seems to be above 30. Have sailed the dinghy down there every October long weekend for many years, more carnage than I can count.
SandS, keel is not modified, although recently brought up to scratch and have a new suit of sails. Twin spreader rig helps, plus usually run with full tanks and cruising paraphernalia. The EastCoasts only have a relatively small main, but she goes like a train to windward. Downwind is another story......
I reckon the rewards are worth it. Going sailing tomorrow on my boat in Sydney. Excited to sail but not to have to go to syd to do it. JB a much better spot. When i was there over xmas time it wasnt too windy apart form the 50kn that rolled through one day.
I changed sail quite alot there. It changes quick there too. had 35 kn one day and then it was like a lake. beautiful.
So the ns 27 is quite light?
Those are quite amazing boats for speed. I think youll just need less sail area than most of that size and itll be great.
How long you been in jb? Been down to batemans yet?
After whitsundays ill move kia kaha there.
motorbike rides from Southern highlands to JB for a sail and weekends away. bliss. Place deserves respect though. good mooring maintenance and back up plans needed for weather events.
If you're thinking of sewing in another reefing point it's already too late