Sailing without a main

Reasons:

• In strong wind, lowering the main can depower the boat & reduce heel (but beware of breaking the mast!)
• If a main sheet purchase breaks, you can try to rig a temporary main sheet, but you may need to sail without a main.

Tips:

• Pay attention to jib sail trim and keep both telltales flowing. Without the main, you need the full pull of the jib.
• When tacking, backwind the jib briefly to complete the turn.
• When gybing, pull the jib in to prevent it from wrapping around the headstay.