by tomodda » Wed Apr 27, 2022 9:10 am
>The biggest drawback there is that the regular jib would be piled up on the foredeck flopping around and one would most likely have to rig a whole other sheet system for the storm jib.
Rig a downhaul. Once the jib is down on deck, a good tug on the sheets is enough to tame it. It'll still be an unsightly jumble, but at least not flapping around. But make sure the head is under control (via your downhaul, keep it snug), or it will try to ride up the forestay. As for another set of sheets, the spinnaker uses an extra set so not seeing this as a big deal, personally. I'm basically proposing that you set and douse your storm jib just like your spin - out of the cockpit. Preferably from a dedicated bag, with sheets already attached. You'd be left with two "extra" lines, the halyard (use same one as your spin) and a "tackline" to another block at bows, to be tied to the tack of your storm jib.
Lastly, sheeting angle. I'd be tempted to put an extra eye bolt some 3 feet back from your regular jib sheet block position and just rigging your storm sheet to that. Maybe invest in a dedicated set of blocks instead of reusing the jib blocks. You don't need a move able block (sheet car and track) for a storm jib, just set it at a good angle (line of the jib sheet bisects the luff). So, storm procedure is - attach spin halyard and tackline to head and tack of sail; attach storm jib blocks to your "storm eyes," making sure to run the Windward sheet in front of the mast first; douse jib, pull all control lines taut; raise storm jib. I'd assume your are hove-to for this fun exercise, so you'll have the added complication of dousing a back winded foresail, but still I think it's doable. A fun rigging and seamanship puzzle, that's for sure!
Again to be contrarian, for this theoretical storm on a theoretical multi-day DS dinghy cruise, why not just douse the jib and run for nearest shelter, even if you have to beach her? Unless you are coastal (as in Ocean) sailing, or somewhere completely rockbound, there's nothing wrong with beaching. Little easier in the Hobie Cats I grew up on, but that's how we dealt with storms when camp-cruising. Also, as GL has pointed out in various posts, once the DS is loaded down with cruising supplies, she's way more stable, all that ballast. So your "window" of manageable solo sailing is a lot wider. Meaning that by the time you really need to shorten your foresail, you'll be in survival mode anyway. Run if you are near shore, heave-to and ride it out if you have searoom. Do some trial runs of both situations so that you'll know what to do when it counts. Anyway, that's my 2 cents.
Tom