tophatyachts.com

I think this has been discussed before, but could not locate any info. What is the best size for a storm jib? Either lufff, leech, foot dimensions or area. If I am going to buy new, I may as well get the optimum size. Local lofts give varying sizes.

Cheers, John

John,My idea is to reef main down and use working jib, reefed, to give you more head way.Peter.

I use a Rolly Tasker 36 square foot storm sail. You can buy them online for under $250. Seems to work fine, not sure what others use.

Cheers,
Mark

The Storm Jib for a Top Hat is;
Foot 2348mm (8ft)
Luff 5029 (16'6")
Leech 3505 (11' 6")
Area is 4.0 sqm.

Sail legend

That's why Mk 3s are the fastest !!!

If you do put on a storm sail, I reckon it would be pretty important to attach (at the tack) what I call a strop, to keep the foot of sail above the pullpit, but more importantly out of any waves.

cheers

If the use of a strop is intended, the sail sheeting should be checked to see if it will still allow the sail to set properly.

This is very important as when the wind and waves get up we really have to have everything going for us.

The Mk3 version works very well as drawn I find.

Cheers,

Tom

There seem to be 2 size storm jibs that will be suitable for a TH. one is about 48 sq ft (4.5m2) and the smaller one is about 32 sq feet (3m2). I think I will get the larger size. Tried Asian and Aussie and USA sail makers, prices are a bit step, some as high as $500. Thought I had hit the jackpot with one American company, but as I was about to place order, discovered they are shonks (never despatch sail).
So still looking for new or used. Any comments about 4.5 vs 3 metre square.

Cheers, John

The smaller storm jib is for the original Top Hat (wooden boat) which has a shorter mast and less ballast.
The larger one is for the Mk 11 and Mk111 boats with taller rig and more ballast.
Cheers,
Tom