Many racers will ask their sailmaker to build a main sail with a very deep third reef Back on solid ground with ample room to work, we were able-after some coaxing-to flake the sail into its case using the manufacturer’s reference marks. We ended up cramming the sail belowdecks, where it nearly filled our 34-footer’s saloon. Re-hoisting the sail without its clever packaging would be harder than hoisting a standard storm jib due to the fact that you’d have to contend with twice as much sail area. Throw in subsiding storm conditions and the job would be impossible. After each use, the sail must be tightly flaked and packed into both sides of the STORM-BAG, which would be a challenge on a small deck in even a dead calm. My concerns about the STORM-BAG began when we lowered the sail. Also, it would be interesting to see what happens if the plies separate when running downwind in a strong breeze. Air pressure keeps the two sails pressed against each other, but chafe could be a problem over time. Because the sail is actually two sails, each made of slightly less robust cloth than a single storm jib, there was some audible chatter between the two pieces of sailcloth, especially along the leech. Tacking the sail was no problem and trimming also proved easy. We found that the sail could be rigged and hoisted with minimal time spent on the foredeck. The STORM-BAG looks like a pair of cockpit cushions it can be rigged in next to no time The case dangles from the foot of the sail. (You will, of course, have already figured out the correct lead positions.) Once solid sheet tension is exerted on the bag-it can take some effort-the Velcro closures on the case rip open and the two-ply day-glow orange sail can be hoisted. The sheets are led aft to the requisite headsail cars and winches. A halyard is clipped to the nylon head loop, and the tack pennant is secured. The two clews are then clipped together with the shackle at the end of a pair of dedicated sheets that are included in the kit. To rig the sail, you simply carry the STORM-BAG forward and wrap it around the headstay. In actuality, the case contains two identically cut storm jibs that are stitched together at the luff and share a single head loop and tack pennant. Each STORM-BAG sail folds into a bright yellow case that resembles two giant cockpit cushions sewn together at one end-think of a wallet-with bits of hardware sticking out. You can adjust tack height to suit your boat (left) BANNER BAY STORM-BAGīanner Bay’s STORM-BAG uses a clever integral packaging system to stow, prep and hoist the sail. It is best to practice rigging it in calm conditions (far left).
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