One of the things you will learn when you go on sailing trips is that this boat can have several sails. When it comes to sailing on a sailboat, sails are much more than fabrics in the wind, as each one has a great importance in sailing.
In this article we are going to learn a little more about the storm sail, also known as the storm sail. You will learn the functions it has and when they should be deployed.
What is the storm sail or storm sail
The storm sail is a small candle that is characterized by being very resistant. This sail is designed for when conditions are most unfavourable, for example when the wind is blowing hard or in stormy conditions.
Thanks to the resistance of this small sail, the sailboat manages to maintain control. It is very necessary because, when the weather conditions are unfavorable, the main sails are too large and become complicated to handle.
The storm shutter is specially designed for these situations, to ensure the safety of the sailboat and its crew when conditions are more adverse.
Characteristics of the Storm Rack
The storm is a shield against the storm. Despite its small size, it is a wing that has great resistance, so it perfectly withstands the most unfavorable situations.
The main characteristic of the storming is its small size. Compared to the usual sails that a sailboat or any other type of boat can have, the storm storm is much smaller. The choice of the size of the storm storm is not the result of chance, but corresponds to a design that, by having less sail area exposed to the wind, reduces the pressure on the boat, making it easier to control.
To make it stand up to the strong wind, the storm rack is designed with robust fabric. Most commonly, a rack is made with a stronger and more durable fabric compared to other sails. For example, the storm can be made of canvas or dacron, perfect materials to resist the onslaught of wind and waves without tearing.
The design of the storm is quite simple and this is another of its characteristics. It is usually triangular or trapezoidal in shape and has been designed to generate as little power as possible. The purpose of the storm storm is to maintain control of the boat without exposing it too much to the wind, so it does not seek to generate power.
Finally, it should also be noted that it is a very easy sail to hoist. One of the most important parts of the storming design is that it can be hoisted and lowered easily. In fact, it is usually designed so that this work can be done by a single person. This design is key, since the use of the storm rack usually occurs in emergency situations, so it is very important to facilitate the maneuver with the storm in case of quick need.
When and why to use the Storm Sail in adverse conditions
The storm rack has a very clear purpose, to guarantee the safety of the sailboat in the worst conditions. This headsail is designed with a high sheet grip through which, as far as possible, it prevents waves from impacting its boom.
With the protection provided by the storm rack, it is possible to improve the stability of the sailboat. In order to withstand the onslaught of the sea, the storms are made of heavyweight sails and their use is always recommended when the circumstances are very unfavorable.
Due to the stability that the storm rack brings to the sailboat, it is also used when a complicated maneuver has to be carried out. In this way, its use is not only limited to the worst conditions, but also the storming is used when the boat requires greater maneuverability.
Mounting, Anchor Types and Rack Settings
The installation of the storm will depend slightly on the type of boat and the design of the rigging. Although there may be some changes, as a general rule, the basic steps are usually as follows.
The first thing will be to install the storm’s stay. It will be a specific stay, and can be fixed or flying. Thanks to the stay, the sail will be held and kept taut. The next step is to place a candle eye on top of the storm rack by hooking it to the stay.
Once both steps have been completed, a halyard will have to be passed through the eye of the sail and a fixing point on the deck will be secured. The use of the halyard will be to be able to hoist and lower the storm when necessary. Finally, to adjust the tension of the sail and thus prevent it from flaming excessively, boots will be used.
As for the types of anchors, we can choose the fixed stay, or flywheel, as we mentioned before. The difference is that with the fixed stay, it is permanently fixed to the mast and offers greater rigidity and stability. The problem with the fixed is that it is somewhat difficult to change the sail.
On the other hand, with the flying stay, the storm rack can be hoisted and lowered more easily, but it can be less rigid and stable compared to the fixed stay.
To ensure the use and performance of the rack, it is important that the adjustments are well carried out. The halyard should be taut enough to keep the sail extended, but not so tight that it damages the fabric or rigging.
On the other hand, the sheets must also be adjusted to control the shape of the sail well. Finally, the position of the storm will also have to be adjusted in relation to the mast to improve its efficiency.
Safety tips when using the storm shutter
The storm is a sail that is designed to be used when the weather situation is more complicated. Although it is a kind of emergency sail, it cannot be used in any way, so it is necessary to take into account certain safety tips.
To start, only use the rack when strictly necessary. In addition, you should always keep in mind that the conditions are within your safety limits, you should not hoist the storm sail whenever the conditions are unfavorable without thinking.
As with the rest of the components of the boat, it is important to make sure that the storm rack is in good condition. Before setting sail, check the condition of the stay, halyards or sheets. All these elements are essential in the storm rack and the result that this wing can offer will depend on its good condition.
As it is an emergency sail, it is also important that the entire crew knows how to hoist it. Actually, the storm is quite simple to hoist and a single person can do it, but it is important that the entire crew is aware of its use in case it is needed in a time of need.
During storming you must constantly monitor the condition of the storm. Even though it is a strong sail, signs of breakage or other problems may appear, so it is important to make sure that it is okay for wind optimization.
Always remember that the storm is a very powerful tool, however, it can become dangerous if not used properly. As with any other maneuver inside the boat, always make the safest decisions. Safety should always be a priority before any choice to be able to sail with greater peace of mind.
