My brothers and I are in our first year of owning a 1989 E 38-200 and would be interested in how other owners rig these boats for shall we say "more adventurous conditions". Our is a deep keel [6'6"], tall rig model. Currently she is rigged with a Roller Furled working jib [100%] and a full main with two sets of reef points. We also have a 70% Roller furled jib. All sails are in fine shape.
We sail up and down the west coast as well as in the Santa Barbara Channel out to the Channel Islands from Ventura where sailing in Small Craft Warning conditions is common. We usually have 3 -4 folks aboard. Once the wind starts to blow over 30 knots we have had good results off the wind just sailing the jib, reefed down a bit [using jack lines and safety harnesses etc for the crew]with the main struck and securely tied down. But on upwind beats we are still searching for the right balance. Have folks experimented with just running a double reefed main when going to weather in more vigourous conditions? The reefed roller furling jib does not point real well upwind. I'd be grateful for your opinions and insights
Also: Any thoughts on options once conditions get more intense e.g. gale strength and above. How well do e 38's heave to in these conditions using the double reefed main? Is a storm trysail needed? On the Sabre 36 I crewed on, we had a sea anchor that we only deployed once from the bow in what the anometer said was 50 knots. That worked well to keep us safe and relatively stationary although the roll was horrendous. Currently we do not have a sea anchor aboard. I suppose I should add that. Thanks for your thoughts.
B. Baron
Beyond Reason
E 38-200
Ventura Isle Marina
We sail up and down the west coast as well as in the Santa Barbara Channel out to the Channel Islands from Ventura where sailing in Small Craft Warning conditions is common. We usually have 3 -4 folks aboard. Once the wind starts to blow over 30 knots we have had good results off the wind just sailing the jib, reefed down a bit [using jack lines and safety harnesses etc for the crew]with the main struck and securely tied down. But on upwind beats we are still searching for the right balance. Have folks experimented with just running a double reefed main when going to weather in more vigourous conditions? The reefed roller furling jib does not point real well upwind. I'd be grateful for your opinions and insights
Also: Any thoughts on options once conditions get more intense e.g. gale strength and above. How well do e 38's heave to in these conditions using the double reefed main? Is a storm trysail needed? On the Sabre 36 I crewed on, we had a sea anchor that we only deployed once from the bow in what the anometer said was 50 knots. That worked well to keep us safe and relatively stationary although the roll was horrendous. Currently we do not have a sea anchor aboard. I suppose I should add that. Thanks for your thoughts.
B. Baron
Beyond Reason
E 38-200
Ventura Isle Marina