After sailing M-17 #633 for several months last season, I am in the process
of coming to decisions as to how (or if) I would like to modify it for the
coming season. I will be sailing most of the time solo, mostly on the Potomac
River, but also at times on the Chesapeake Bay. I would also like to race in
the
local cruising class races. I have 85% and 109% hank-on headsails, but no
genoa. My main concern is easy main reefing, but headsails can also be a
problem when alone. As an M-boat novice, I'd like to solicit opinions and
advice, for which I give my thanks in advance. Here are my options:
Headsails: 1) Make no changes, 2) add a 150% hank-on genoa for racing and
light airs or 3) put on a roller-reefer with a 130% genny and sell my hank-on
sails.
Furler: Ease and safety in reducing headsail area when single-handing (most
of my sailing). Keeps me off the foredeck. However, less efficiency in
headsail performance when partially furled, which would probably be most of the
time. I've heard that furlers can fail when you need them most, but
present-day designs seem to be reliable.
Hank-on sails: Probably I would start with the 109% most of the time.
How often would I actually have to change to the 85%, assuming I can easily
reef the main? Probably would not start with the 150% very often, since
single-handing it will be overpowered in not too much wind, and I want to avoid
changing sails when alone. Racing, I will have a crew, and can therefore use
the
big genny.
2) Reefing - I have seen (Gary O's, for example) neat single-line reefing
systems which involve leading the reefing line to the base of the mast and
round to the cockpit. How much in ease of operation and performance would I
give
up by terminating the reefing line at a cleat on the boom after a turning
cheek block at the tack? How about falling back to separate lines at tack and
clew, both terminated on the boom? Being able to reef the main when alone is
probably my most important task. Just trying to make it easy.
Any inputs would be appreciated. Thanks,
Rick
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