When would you run with just the genoa?

[legarots]

When would you run with just the genoa instead of going wing-on-wing?

[US27inKS]

If the wind was very shifty and I didn't want to rig a preventer.

[PalmettoSailor]

[Faster]

When you have roller furling and you're too lazy to hoist the main!

You do see a lot of this, though, and I think that my statement above has some truth to it.

We often sailed into our home port in an increasing breeze, typically peaking in the high 20s on most sunny days, with just one sail. We did not have furling and generally preferred to sail main-only mostly for the stability of the sail.

True, we had to be vigilant to avoid an accidental gybe, but - esp when running deep where the genoa can have a tendency to collapse and refill with a bang - all in all we felt more secure flying just the main. It's also easier (and safer, IMO) to drop and secure a mainsail than a non-furling genoa in high wind conditions.

However with the now-ubiquitous headsail furling, running genoa only is commonplace when there's enough wind that you get the speed you want. And lets face it, it does simplify things quite a bit. (But is it really "sailing"???)

[JohnRPollard]

Only rarely -- usually in light air if we're feeling particularly lazy.

What kind of boat do you have? Masthead rig, fractional? Is it an older design, or a modern boat?

You may be interested to read this thread, where a few years ago some of us discussed the pros and cons of sailing under headsail alone, and in which I had an interesting exchange with former member Robert Gainer (Sailnet monicker "Tartan34C", now deceased). Robert was a highly knowledgeable and experienced sailor -- much missed here.

[nereussailor]

I see a lot of boats on the ICW that run a genoa. It's easier do roll it up if the wind is shifting. I run a 175 Genoa most of the time, and only raise the main if someone is with me.

Dave

[klem]

If you are off the wind, it will often make it easier to steer. The main tends to push the stern around and give the helmsman a workout whereas the jib pulls the bow off the wind and makes it easier to steer.

[SimonV]

If I am in no hurry I will only use the genoa but mainly in light airs or any strength aft the beam. If its blowing hard and on the beam you will put too much strain on the steering, so the main has to go up to balance boat.

[KeelHaulin]

We sailed with only the jib on two occasions that I remember, one was at night and the wind was blowing 30kts so I did not want to have crew go forward to hoist/reef the main. It was just easier and safer to un-furl the jib and reach to our destination.

The second occasion was a daytime blow when it must have been blowing in the high 40's if not 50's. We had to sail from SF to Richmond and we sailed with a roller reefed jib (50%) on a deep reach nearly the entire way. We hit 8kts on occasion, 7.5kts sustained, with only 50% headsail!!

[Stillraining]

Every chance I get...( Which hasn't been much)....as I'm one of those horrible lazy sailors...



Running Genny only and up to Hull speed in 10 to 12 knots of wind ....why pull more strings then you need...

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