+xI’m about to cross the Atlantic too for the first time and have read probably too much on this topic. There are as many opinions as there are sail set ups so it seems to me that the best set up is what suits the crew and boat. Having never done it before I’ll have an array of set ups to try. Twin headsails, Parasailor, poled out genoa and main etc. I think I have all the bases covered except asymmetric and spinnaker so I’ll find out what is best for me. I think there is no correct answer to this other than what’s best for you. If you collect a lot of wind you’ll get there. Not too much though!!
Hi Gary,
I wish you a fabulous trip. Lots of wisdom in what you write.
On the North Atlantic, sail configurations for most boats will not be all that much different than coastal cruising (perhaps more heavy weather stuff): wind from any direction and changeable. That is unless you are doing the Africa to Carib trip where trade winds often prevail. And even there, most boats carry the sails and gear they would for coastal cruising as it is a short period of sailing compared to a cn.
Much of the previous discussion was centered on around-the-world conditions where trade wind sailing definitely prevails and an easy to handle double-headsail rig can work well and may be left up and largely unattended for long periods. This has not been a configuration that has much appeal other than a cn in the trades. And, even then, my observation is that most boats do not have a dedicated trade winds rig.
And, since you flag this being a first Atlantic crossing, please look at my “Key Attitudes in Passage Making” which I wrote initially for the US Naval Academy publication, The Helmsman and has been picked up elsewhere, most recently SAIL magazine. Come back with any thoughts/comments/questions.
It can be found in the forum.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy