sailing with just the main

[elvatoli]

It is possible to sail with just the main sail?
I have been restoring and fixing our 26X we bought last November, and now it seems like it is ready except for the Jib sail, because the money have been tight lately.
The old jib sail was mounted on the front CDI roller furler, and was worn out, because the last owner left it in the sun (Very high UV here in southmost part of Texas), and even the sunbrella cover suffered damage.
I'm lookin to buy a new jib thru Kelly Hansen for $350 I think, but I wont have the money until October or November, and we will like to go out in September to celebrate birthday.
The motor is working very well after a dealer clean and inspection (Tohatsu 9., and everything else is working well now, new batteries, new VHF radio, everything rewired, new and heavier front stay, fixed rudders, fixed trailer, etc.
I can go out with just the motor but will be a lot nicier to do it sailing, and with our winds allways above 10 mph, sometimes 20 mph, I would like to know if the boat will be unbalanced sailing with just the main sail, and if it is a risk tto the boat and the crew doing it.

Thank you
Hector
RGV, TX

[dennisneal]

Hector,

I occasionally sail using only the main sail. What I've learned from this exercise is that the wind acting upon the foresail Jib, or Genoa, exerts a force upon the bow. This makes it a lot easier to maneuver the boat through a tack or jibe.

Also, the two sails, acting together, create a "wind tunnel" which increases the efficiency of both sails.

Basically, it can be done.

Hope you enjoy your boat!

Dennis

[jschrade]

If money is tight and you still have the furler, a Genoa may be the wisest choice. The Genoa is fantastic when you have light to medium winds which is 95% of what you will be sailing in. The jib is much better in medium to high.

I can reach at 6kts with a good breeze and just the Genoa.

Jim

[Love MACs]

I sailed with the main only on several occasions, especially when I first got her, just to get the feel of the boat. I find sailing with the Genoa only is much better. Of course using both is best if the winds will allow. Almost always light winds around here.


Allan

[Rick Westlake]

I sail with the main alone, on occasion - yesterday was an example; I was sailing downwind and my roller-furling jib was acting backwinded, but I didn't want to mess with poling it out. So I rolled it in and continued under the main by itself.

I'm guessing you are using the main sheet shackled to the helm pedestal; in this case, going downwind you REALLY need a boom-preventer when you are sailing downwind. The simplest thing is to attach a line to the boom-bail, alongside the mainsheet; lead it around outside of the side-stays; and cleat it onto the bow cleat. This way, if the main does get "back-winded" it can't slam across the cockpit at head level.

Bossa Nova doesn't do well upwind under the main alone, but you can still enjoy yourself (and share the fun with your friends) by doing some of your afternoon under sail. If the winds don't cooperate to let you sail home, that Tohatsu "iron jib" will get you safe to harbor.

Go out and have some fun!

[Russ]

Yes.

Strangely, Roger sells the Mac with only a Main sail. The jib/Genoa are options.

As mentioned above, it will sail with only a main. I've sailed with main or jib only. Performance takes a big hit as I've found the Mac doesn't sail well with only one sail but it is doable.

Like Rick said, it won't point worth much but go out and have some fun.


--Russ

[Jersey16]

Hector,

Thanks for asking the same question thats been on my mind as I am now closer to my first trip using the sail. I've read all the comments about the main but I still have one question. Do you guys think its better to learn with just the jib first or just the main first. I figure I'll learn one sail at a time.

Iron Jib, I love that one...

[Russ]

Do you guys think its better to learn with just the jib first or just the main first. I figure I'll learn one sail at a time.

I'd go with the main first. It's self tending so you don't need to mess with pulling sheets in around the mast. Also, the boat will sail better with main alone vs. jib alone. Just keep your hands ready to let it out if the boat starts to heal beyond your comfort zone.

Now for convenience, I will sometimes sail with roller furling jib alone simply because I can stay in the cockpit and not get up on deck. Pull it out, roll it back up, simple and I'm not on top of the deck.


--Russ

[Phil M]

I have sailed recently with just the main (reefed, and extremely strong winds) and with just the roller furling genoa (unpredictable weather and sailing solo). Learn to use both of them, separately and together. Most of the time you will sail using both, but there are advantages either way.
If you need to point directly into the wind, the 'iron jib' works very well for me.

Phil M