Mark Mansfield, Quantum sails Ireland agent and Professional sailor/coach outlines the options and deadlines for those wanting new sails for this year's Round Ireland Race and Wave Regatta at Howth.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, which have now virtually been lifted in sailing, the season will be compacted in Ireland. The two standout events will be the SSE Renewables RORC Round Ireland Race on the 22nd of August from Wicklow and WAVE regatta on the 11th of September at Howth Yacht Club. So far, it is still possible to order new sails for the earlier event, but in some cases, this would have to be done in the next week. Details for various sail options are below.
Remember Quantum Sails Ireland have a Summer 15% discount running, so Round Ireland and WAVE Regatta boats can avail of this.
Offshore sail options
Apart from the normal headsails, mainsail, and spinnaker options, those doing offshore races like Round Ireland should consider these sails.
Flying Jib
Also called a blast reacher—if you have a sprit— a blast reacher is the same size as a headsail, but more efficient and another Jib or a staysail can be set inside it. Perfect for long heavy air reaches when you cannot set a spinnaker or Code 0, as too much wind.
Jib Staysail
Sailors will have seen the Volvo boats carrying up to three or even four sails forward of the mast during the last round the world race. Often a Code 0 will be set on a sprit (or a flying Jib in strong winds), then you need a sail inside this. A Jib Staysail is ideal, and often can double as a storm jib. The Staysail would be set on the centreline and diverts the wind to the back of the mainsail. It also helps to push the bow off and reduces weather helm when power reaching. It is becoming much more common to see these now on smaller boats during offshore races.
A Sunfast 3300 with outboard sheeted headsail and jib staysail set
Spinnaker Staysail
For long broad reaches, when the true wind angle is 145 degrees down to about 100 degrees, a spinnaker Staysail catches additional air and is not penalised under IRC as it rates as a jib.
Asymmetric Spinnakers
If you only have Symmetrical spinnakers, then an Asymmetrical Spinnaker (A3/A5 Hybrid) will be faster shy reaching. In addition, when the wind gets broader to say about 130 degrees, and it is blowing hard, the Asymmetrical spinnaker can be much more controllable.
Code 0
Code 0 sails are a must nowadays for offshore sailing, as they are both used in light airs as a very large jib (but rated as a spinnaker), and also in strong winds as a small heavy weather Spinnaker—See video here and below of Sunfast 3300 with Code 0 in strong winds off Kinsale.
It is best if you have a sprit, but still can be used tacked to the bow. Normally set on a furler. Code 0s are also a good option when running and broad-reaching in really strong winds as they can be furled when it gets too hairy, especially at night.
A Quantum cableless Code 0 flying at a tight angle
Quantum Sail type deadlines for Round Ireland
- Membrane Main and headsail —End of this week.
- Spinnakers—20th of July
- Staysails—14th July
- Tri Radial Mains and Headsails—14th of July
- Cross cut cruising sails—20th July
Contact me at 087 2506838 or [email protected] to discuss any options you may be looking at.
Alternatively Contact Yannick Lemonnier at: [email protected] Tel: 087 628 9854.
We have a full-service sail loft in Galway for all Repairs, adaptations and other needs including covers and canvasses.
