Storm Sails: Essential Safety Equipment for Every Sailor
Storm sails are crucial safety equipment for any sailing vessel, whether you’re cruising coastal waters, racing, or heading offshore. While careful attention to weather forecasts can help avoid most storms, every sailor should be prepared for unexpected heavy weather conditions. Storm sails provide the confidence and control needed when conditions deteriorate beyond the capacity of your standard sail inventory.
Understanding Storm Sails
UK Sailmakers builds storm sails to the requirements World Sailing’s Offshore Special Regulations. The Offshore Special Regulations require racers to carry three storm sails: a storm trysail, storm jib and heavy weather jib. The storm trysail and storm jib must be made out of strong Dacron or HMPE (Spectra or Dyneema). These sails are required to be made with a high visibility color such as dayglo pink, orange or yellow.
- For a video on using storm sails, click here.
- For a video on how to set a storm jib safely, click here.
Storm Trysail
The storm trysail is a small, strong triangular sail that replaces your mainsail in heavy weather conditions. It’s designed to provide essential drive while reducing heel and weather helm, typically sized at around 40% of your standard mainsail area. Unlike your mainsail, which uses the boom, a storm trysail usually sets on a separate track on your mast, allowing for safer deployment when conditions deteriorate.
- Set in winds over 45-50 knots.
- Storm Orange or other highly visible colored cloth.
- Aramid and Carbon Prohibited.
- Battens and headband prohibited
- Area not greater than 17.5% mainsail hoist (P) x mainsail foot length.
Storm Jib
A storm jib is a heavy-weather headsail, significantly smaller than your standard furled headsail. This compact yet robust sail provides crucial forward drive while maintaining maneuverability in severe conditions. Its smaller size makes it more manageable when winds reach gale force, helping maintain control of your vessel.
- Set in winds over 35 knots.
- Storm Orange or other highly visible colored cloth.
- Aramid and Carbon Prohibited.
- Needs alternate method of attachment to headstay if luff groove is standard means of attachment.
Heavy Weather Jib
The heavy weather jib serves as an intermediate sail between your standard headsail and storm jib. While larger than a storm jib, it’s smaller than a regular furled headsail, making it perfect for strong breeze conditions before they reach storm force.
- Set in winds over 28 knots.
- No color requirement
- Aramid and Carbon permitted but ISAF strongly recommend against.
- Needs alternate method of attachment to headstay if luff groove is standard means of attachment.
- Area not greater than 13.5% height of the foretriangle squared.
When to Use Storm Sails
Understanding when to deploy storm sails is crucial for sailing safety. Here are key situations when storm sails should be considered:
- When your standard sails become difficult to handle
- During unexpected weather changes
- When wind speeds increase significantly
- Before conditions become severe (proactive rather than reactive)
- When weather forecasts predict deteriorating conditions
Proper Preparation and Practice
Having storm sails is only the beginning – knowing how to use them effectively is crucial. Consider these essential preparation steps:
- Regular inspection and maintenance
- Practice setting and dousing in moderate conditions
- Ensure proper sheet leads and attachment points are marked
- Store storm sails in an easily accessible location
- Familiarize your crew with deployment procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do storm sails last?
While storm sails see limited use, regular inspection is essential. With proper care and storage, they typically last 5-10 years. Given their critical safety role, maintaining their structural integrity is crucial.
Can I use a deeply reefed mainsail instead of a trysail?
While possible in some conditions, a proper storm trysail offers several advantages: it’s purpose-built for severe weather, doesn’t rely on your boom (reducing risk), and provides better sail shape for heavy weather handling.
Are storm sails necessary for day sailing?
While not always mandatory for day sailing, having storm sails provides essential safety backup for unexpected weather changes. Local conditions and sailing area should guide your decision.
Making the Investment
Quality storm sails are a crucial investment in sailing safety. When considering new storm sails, evaluate:
- Boat size and type
- Local sailing conditions
- Racing requirements if applicable
- Material choices (traditional Dacron vs. HMPE fibers)
- Construction features (triple stitching, reinforced corners)
World Sailing’s Offshore Special Regulations require specific standards for storm sails in racing, but these standards provide excellent guidelines for all sailors. The regulations specify construction materials, visibility requirements, and size limitations that ensure storm sails will perform when needed most.
Remember that storm sails are not just emergency equipment – they’re practical tools that allow you to continue sailing safely when conditions deteriorate. Whether you’re racing, cruising, or day sailing, properly sized and constructed storm sails provide peace of mind and enhanced safety for you and your crew.
By investing in quality storm sails and practicing their use in moderate conditions, you’ll be well-prepared to handle whatever weather challenges arise during your time on the water. After all, seamanship isn’t just about enjoying fair weather – it’s about being prepared for all conditions.