Headsail Reefing

[BarryK]

I have a Jeanneau SO 43 masthead rigged sloop. The boat has been in charter and is located in Turkey. I want to set it up for Mediterranean cruising so that my wife and I can easily handle it, mostly from the cockpit when possible.

The installed genoa is 150% (581 sq.ft.). I'am looking for safe alternates for headsail reefing/sail changes. A rigger in Turkey has recommended installing a second roller furler aft of the windlass and terminating 18" below the forestay. The mast has a fixed backstay. The sail he is recommending is 172 sq ft and he is refering to it as a Yankee. It would be fitted with luffoam for reefing down to storm jib size.

Before proceeding with this retrofit I would like a second opinion. Two of my concerns are tacking the genoa through a small slot and the loads imposed on the deck and mast at the attachment points. The Turkey rigger does not see a need to consult with Jeanneau.

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
Sounds like you have a good rigger in Turkey. They are talking about a Solent Stay, and properly done it would be exactly what you want. To tack the outer sail, you'd roll it up. This can be a hassle inshore, so one frequently sees the smaller sail outboard, or, alternatively, the Solent Stay is hank-on, so it can be detached in lighter conditions. I prefer the latter arrangement, as it allows you to fly both a staysail and a hank-on drifter, for the two extremes of conditions.
Be sure the rigger uses appropriate-size gear. Any questions, be in touch.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss