Using the storm jib

In the picture, the storm jib (the sail with the orange parts) is setting nicely in the pleasant sailing conditions. I set the storm jib for the Force 7/8 wind that was expected the other night. I went far enough offshore to be clear of the continental shelf, to be in deep water. Waves coming from deep water into shallow water, as they would be with the expected wind direction and speed, get steep, unpleasant and dangerous. The Force 7 (28-33 knots) subsequently arrived and we spent the night sailing to windward (it was coming from the direction I wanted to go in) in it. A lot of slamming and banging as the boat hit the waves and the waves hit the boat. Lots of spray keeping things wet. The sails performed well. The following day the wind moderated to Force 6 (22-27 knots), and the following night to pleasant, light winds. Once set, there seemed no reason to drop the storm jib, so, even in the very light breeze there is now, the storm jib is still set, along with all the other sails.

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