Gennaker

Highlights:

• The Gennaker can be rigged with the bowsprit and all lines when out of a close environment such as a marina.
• It can remain aloft to a maximum of about 20-25 Kts apparent, to be deployed / furled / deployed at will. Above this wind speed a flap may develop in the leech.
• Furling / Unfurling can be done from the cockpit – the “fuse –pin” locking device has been removed so that the aft jammers are the only controls on the furling line. This is a far simpler & consistent method of operation. Only use the lower line for furling.
• Using a barber hauler through the mid cleat (used as a fairlead), it will sail at 50°to the apparent wind; without the barber hauler it’s about 60°. The barber hauler also makes the sail furl more cleanly.
• To sail deep down wind, ease the halyard & pole out the Genoa?
• Max apparent wind 15 Kts.

Set Up

• All the necessary “bits” are under the Saloon Bulkhead berth.
• Rig the bowsprit
• Attach the furler / sail to the bowsprit
• Run the sheets forward to the clew in the same manner as the Genoa.
• Run the furling line Port Side (remove any twists to reduce friction) in between the Fwd / Aft pulpit supports to the stanchion by the amidships cleat. Take the line outside this stanchion & then back inside to give a fair lead.
• Clip the Gennaker jammer blocks to the stanchion support base by the Furlex jammer then attach the bungee to the aft pushpit to take up slack, but not tight.
• Hoist the furled Gennaker – make sure there is no slack in the halyard. The yacht should now look like it has a Cutter Rig.
• If you are not going to deploy the Gennaker for a while, leave a short sail tie around the clew. This is also a good practice if there will be some time between successive deployments.

Deployment

• Remove the sail tie, if fitted.
• Clear the furling line from BOTH jammers in the block.
• Pull out the working sheet. The sail should unfurl quite easily with any wind in it.
• Attach the barber haulers if desired. This could also be done at time any prior to deployment.

Angles of Use -click for diagram

Furling

• Ensure the halyard is tight – this is important.
• Depower the sail ( Shield with main or Genoa, if required)
• Pull in the lower furling line through the lower jammer.
• When furled, make sure the furling line is in both respective jammers
• If the sail will not be used for a while, put a sail tie in the clew.

Gybing:

• The Normal Gybe Technique works well; it is even more necessary to achieve a slow rate of turn through fully downwind.
• Helmsman must be sensitive to watch that the clew and a good portion of sail clear the Genoa forestay to come out on the working side before continuing the turn.
• Clew can be assisted round by someone on the foredeck.