Storm Jib: Essential Heavy Weather Headsail
The Storm Jib is used in winds too strong for heavy weather jibs like No. 3 and No. 4 genoas. The ISAF Offshore Special Regulations limit the storm jib’s area to five percent of the height of the foretriangle squared. The rule states that the luff of the storm jib must be shorter than 65% of the height of the foretriangle. It has a hollow leech and hollow foot to prevent the edges from fluttering, and it is designed to fly from a pennant to keep the sail above breaking waves. The storm jib must be made out of strong woven polyester, and it is required that the color be highly visible. This picture shows how well Storm Orange sails stand out in dark skies.
If the storm jib is made to fit a luff-groove device, the sail must have an alternative means of being attached to the stay. The most common alternative method is to have grommets along the luff so that you can tie the sail to the stay as shown below.
Click here to see a method on how to hoist a storm jib safely.
A storm jib is a specialized headsail designed for extreme weather conditions when standard headsails become overpowering and dangerous. This compact, robust sail is crucial for maintaining control and maneuverability in severe conditions, making it an essential part of any vessel’s safety equipment.
Design and Construction
Storm jibs are built to strict specifications that ensure their effectiveness and durability in challenging conditions:
- Size: Limited to 5% of the foretriangle area squared
- Luff Length: Must not exceed 65% of the foretriangle height
- Material: Constructed from strong woven polyester (Dacron) or HMPE fibers
- Color: Manufactured in high-visibility colors (typically bright orange, yellow, or pink)
- Shape Features:
- Hollow leech design
- Hollow foot construction
- Both features prevent edge flutter in high winds
- Attachment: Includes pennant for elevated deployment above breaking waves
Installation and Attachment Methods
Primary Attachment
Most storm jibs are designed to work with:
- Forestay roller furling systems
- Standard forestay attachments
- Inner forestay setups
Backup Attachment Requirements
All storm jibs must have a secondary attachment method:
- Grommets along the luff for securing to the stay
- Allows for manual attachment if furling systems fail
- Provides redundancy for safety
When to Use a Storm Jib
Key situations for deploying your storm jib include:
- When wind speeds exceed the capacity of heavy weather jibs
- When standard headsail reduction becomes insufficient
- Before conditions become severe (proactive deployment)
- When forecasts predict sustained heavy weather
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a storm jib need to be high-visibility?
The bright coloring serves multiple purposes:
- Increased visibility in poor conditions
- Easier crew identification during maneuvers
- Safety feature for potential rescue situations
- Better contrast against dark storm clouds
How is the correct size calculated?
Storm jib sizing follows specific formulas:
- Area limited to 5% of foretriangle area squared
- Luff length must be under 65% of foretriangle height
This ensures the sail is properly proportioned for your vessel.
Why use a pennant with a storm jib?
The pennant serves several crucial functions:
- Elevates the sail above breaking waves
- Reduces water exposure
- Improves sail shape and performance
- Enhances overall sail efficiency
Proper Care and Maintenance
To ensure your storm jib is ready when needed:
- Regular inspection of material and stitching
- Check all attachment points and grommets
- Verify pennant condition
- Store in an easily accessible location
- Practice installation procedures regularly
- Document any repairs or modifications
Racing Requirements
For racing vessels, storm jibs must meet specific regulations:
- Size limitations as per ISAF requirements
- Material specifications
- Visibility standards
- Attachment method requirements
- Backup systems in place
Essential Safety Considerations
When using a storm jib:
- Practice installation in moderate conditions
- Ensure crew familiarity with deployment procedures
- Maintain clear communication during sail changes
- Keep backup attachment materials readily available
- Monitor sail condition during use
Choosing the Right Storm Jib
Consider these factors when selecting a storm jib:
- Vessel size and type
- Expected sailing conditions
- Racing requirements if applicable
- Attachment system compatibility
- Ease of handling for your crew
- Construction quality
- Storage requirements
A properly sized and constructed storm jib is essential safety equipment for any sailing vessel. While it may see limited use, its importance cannot be overstated when conditions deteriorate. The investment in a quality storm jib, combined with regular practice and proper maintenance, provides crucial heavy weather capability when standard sails become overwhelming.
Remember that storm jibs are not just emergency equipment – they’re specialized tools designed to help maintain control and safety in challenging conditions. Whether racing, cruising, or day sailing, a well-maintained storm jib provides essential heavy weather capability and peace of mind for you and your crew.