siento el que no esté en cristiano
Because there seems to be some confusion as to storm jib sizes, we suggest: First, a storm jib to us is that smallest jib carried when the winds are very strong, for extended periods of time, such as would be encountered in a storm at sea, off-shore. Obviously a slightly larger sail could be carried for a short time period for storms on semi-protected waters (such as bays and lakes, etc.) Each individual must know, for his own protection or that of his crew, the kind of weather conditions for which he is purchasing the sail.
For a guide as to the size of the sail to be carried, we offer the following:
Area determination - Method # 1
Choice A. Decide whether the sailing is done with a well experienced racing crew with ample manpower under all conditions. If so, then the area of the storm jib may be up to 5-1/2% of I².
Choice B. If the sailing is done with just a family where the crew consists of father, mother and children or similar light crew, then it is strongly recommended that the area of the storm jib be limited to 3% to 3.5% of I2.
EXAMPLE: If the I of the boat is 30’0, then I 2 will be 900. Therefore 3% of 900 equals a storm jib area of 27 square feet; 3.5% of 900 + 31.5 sq. feet; and 5.5% of 900=49.5 sq. ft. storm jib area.
Area determination - Method # 2
Choice A. Determine whether a working jib is shown on your sail plan. We mean a jib that is about 80% to 90% of the foretriangle area, not a lapper jib. Write down each of the three side-edge dimensions of that working jib. For semi-protected waters, the storm jib should be limited to the following:
Maximum storm jib luff = 2/3 of the working jib luff, maximum storm jib leach = 2/3 of the working jib leach, and maximum storm jib foot = 2/3 of the working jib foot.
Choice B. For off-shore work, limit the storm jib edge dimensions to a maximum of one-half of the corresponding working jib edge dimensions.
Assuming that the working jib on the sail plan is not a lapper (as is shown on some sail plans), then the two methods will work to almost identical sail areas for the storm jib. When no sail plan is available, Method # 1 is the better way of determining the area.
These methods represent the thinking of the best naval architects based on sailing history and the very recent Fastnet tragedy experience. Whatever your decision, it is well to remember that the storm jib used at sea can be small and not cause problems; but too large a storm jib can represent trouble, possible lack of control of the boat under the most adverse weather conditions. Obviously a somewhat larger jib can be used when all that is needed is simply a short run into a harbor for weather protection such as would be the case for a family cruising on a large lake.
Bacon & Associates
