Submitted on February 18, 2007 by Dr. Gene O'Neill

Question: My daughter will be taking delivery of her new Nor'Sea 27 in December, at which time she'll be departing the Gulf coast of Florida, for a protracted solo circumnavigation.

And, since some 65% or more of her cruise will be before the wind, she would like some sort of twin headsail arrangement.

But I realize twin headstays are not satisfactory, since when used for only one headsail the stay will sag and cause the luff to be too loose.

Why could she not run two headsails on the one headstay?

What about sewing two headsails together and hanking them on the headstay like one headsail?

She is tentatively scheduled to obtain her sails from Nor'Sea, but she would naturally prefer custom North sails for this long journey.

Thank you.
Dr. Gene Neill

Answer: Hello Dr. Neill,

Thanks for your question. While it has been done often, utilizing twin headsails in a hanked on configuration does have its limitations due mostly to the handling issues when you want to douse the sails for any reason. If it is blowing too hard, it can be dangerous to be on the foredeck.

I have seen roller furling equipped boats utilize the twin headsail approach on one stay, with the advantage that it is much safer. When it comes time to douse the sails, you just roll them up from the cockpit. Usually whisker poles are used to pole out each sail, which presents another handling issue, but while deployed it is a stable way to go.

Another option is to take a look at the right asymmetric cruising spinnaker. These days, the sails are designed to sail at remarkably deep angles and with a dousing sleeve can be easy to handle.

The above is in addition to a bluewater set of working sails and heavy weather sails.

Call or e-mail me anytime for detailed recommendations, and thanks again. Your daughter's adventure sounds exciting!

Best Regards,
Lin Robson

North Sails Gulf Coast
727-898-1123

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