Furling genoa for SOC

Posted By: WayneS
Date: 8/16/07 10:53a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

I'm preparing for a fairly long cruise in the Sea of Cortez and south to Puerto Vallarta on a 25 foot Cheoy Lee Frisco Flyer. The sailing will all be in fall and spring months. I'll be having a roller furling genoa installed, probably on a Schaefer 750 roller furling system. I'd appreciate some advice on the sail. The scenario in the SOC seems to be lots and lots of light winds with occasional winds of 40+ knots, making for a few exciting crossings. When those periodic winds are northers, they seem to be pretty predictable for someone who minds the weather in the Southwest. Predictable or not, I do not want to have inadequate gear if a strong wind comes up. I'll be 63 when I make this cruise, sometimes singlehanding, and the Foredeck Trampoline Boogie-- changing sails when the wind pipes up-- doesn't have too much appeal. Thus, roller furling. Recommendations about the sail? Those of you with experience of those higher winds: what do you do when things get rocky? Heaving to requires shortening sail by perhaps 50-70%; sailmakers say shortening sail by 30-35% is the max with roller furling systems. Any advice appreciated.