Getting Genoa around the stays on tacks

[99miles]

We just got a Cal 2-24. We've had issues on tacks where the Genoa gets caught around the stays when it tries to come around. I imagine this must be a common issue on these boats... is there a trick or a way around it? I'm thinking with a lot of wind it might not be as much of an issue, but with light-moderate wind it seems to be an issue.

[Faster]

Shroud rollers can help... you can make your own with some ABS or PVC pipe.

Avoid shackles for connecting the sheets, rather tie them on with longish bowline knots so they slide round easier - or take a single long sheet and tie a larks head into the clew at the sheet's midpoint for less bulk..

Depending on conditions and the sail itself, briefly backwinding the sail can help blow the sail around once the sheet's released - but I'd not do this with new sails or with laminate sails if you've got those.

[Kenif]

and remember to tie your bowlines so the tails are on the correct side away from the shrouds.

[deniseO30]

In really light air someone can walk it around if you have crew.

[Kenif]

Support what Denise says - if we have sufficient crew we will have someone stand by to clear any snags.

The back winding or timing of the windward sheet is also important. We find the later the release the more force behind the sail and it rarely snags on the shrouds. Early release and attemting to pull the sail across sometimes leads to snags.

Another option is to fit a self tacking headsail or buy a Hanse!

[calden]

+1 on backwinding a bit
+1 on avoiding shackles

Try a cow hitch knot. This is made by using one long line rather than two lines for your jib sheets. Slip a loop through the clew and run the ends through it.


Much less of a knot to get hung up on anything.

Also, be sure and really release a lot of the lazy sheet as you tack. Get it up off the winch immediately and make it loose. Even a tiny bit of drag will enable the jib to hang on the shrouds.

Carlos

[paulk]

A cow hitch should help, but if you change headsails you don't have a windward sheet that you can undo and use for the new jib. You'd also need another set of sheets for any other headsails. If the one genny is all you have, then no problem.