In this next part about outfitting we look at the sail inventory we have initially decided to carry. From our previous experience we believe; 1) you encounter light airs (less than 10 knots) a majority of the time 2) the ease of handling the sails translates into more sailing 3) when bad weather strikes the inventory and boat must be forgiving 4) having the right sails for the current weather conditions is valuable.
In particular, on our HR 34 getting light air downwind performance to an acceptable level was difficult without a dedicated light air sail, which we did not have. Deep broad reaching though, a large genoa with a pole worked well as did two head sails. Upwind we were generally without concern - mostly too much canvas. The fully batten main with two reef points worked well as this could be done from the cockpit. Our heavy weather canvas was never really acceptable on the HR 34 - we had an ATN gail sail which was to be pulled over your furled jib - just too much friction and as well work to be done right at the stem.
Turning to the HR 40, there are some significant differences. First this is a much heavier boat and less performance oriented that the HR 34. HR has worked very hard with Selden masts to ensure a trouble free in-mast furling system as well developing a fully battened (vertical) main sail that keeps performance and shape acceptable.
So with reluctance the first change was to go with the in-mast furling, which we kept at the mast, so one will have to work outside the cockpit to furl. The safety issue this presents is offset by being closer to the area of effort to track what is happening with the sail.
The next item was to order a cruising spinnaker and equipment which has its own furling drum for easy of handling and flys from a temporary bow sprit. These sails are now easily handled and compared with setting up a wing and wing arrangement should not be any more trouble than we managed in the past as a family crew.
We also elected to improve the storm sail management, getting a dedicated removable cutter stay with storm jib and running backstays. We will be able to set this up independent of the other head sails, working much farther aft on deck. Much more reliable and safer than our solution on the HR 34.
Equipment List
Selden jib furling system, including furling jib
Selden Furlin, in mast furling, manual direct drive
Furling mainsail, EMS vertical battens, GS-cloth
Backstay Tensioner
Furling Genoa, trioptimal, laminated cloth, E-foam
Furling cruising spinnaker, incl. equipment and remov.
Extra Bow Roller
Whisker pole against mast including topping lift
Working jib
Cutterstay incl. halyard, sheets, runners, extra cars -
Storm jib/Cutterstay, hooks, Dacron 13.6 sqm
Second jib Halyard
Spinnaker halyard
Overall, we have found that the HR's make great sailing boats, with the right sail combination can sail in a very wide wind range at any angle. Making for safer and more comfortable passages of any duration.
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