Submitted on November 23, 2003 by Tom Synder

Question: Hi,
I have an Island Packet 380 and am wondering if it could work to have a
roller furled, light wind reaching sail forward of my roller furled jib. The plan would be to roll it out for reaching in light winds only, but to keep the sail up for the entire season.

I can't tell from reading descriptions if the G-0 sail and furler are meant
to be taken down between uses. I already have a genaker which I use infrequently because it is so big to store and haul to the foredeck. I am mostly single-handing.

Thanks,
Tom Snyder

Answer: Hi Tom,

G-0s are not intended to be left hoisted for extended periods. The sails
roll up very well now, but still not as tightly as a sail on a rod headstay
with a rigid furler. The potential problem is that the sail could start to
unroll at the head in stronger winds. That would especially be a problem if
you were not on-board at the time. Also, in rough conditions where your
boat is pitching in waves, the G-0 would tend to bounce around. That
bouncing motion will amplify the boats pitching motion and will cause the
roll to loosen.

Some of our customers have added light weight furling covers to their G-0s.
The furling cover allows them to leave the sail rolled and hoisted while
daysailing or while on the lunch hook. With the cover you can lower the sail, flake it loosely and lash it on deck between uses while on short passages.

Regards,
Dan Neri

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