Mast pumping
It is true with many types of rig setups you can get in trouble without having at least some mainsail up, but performance issues aside (you lose windward ability without a main), the E boats with the fwd and aft lowers should be OK in heavy air/big seas with just a headsail. As previously noted, if you see too much movement, tighten the lowers-BUT be careful NOT to invert the mast by adding too much AFT lower tension. Better to tighten the fwd lowers until both sets are snug.
If you are sailing like this, you also want to be sure the backstay has enough tension to keep HS sag (and HS movement in waves) reasonable, and also to limit mast movement above the lower spreaders.
Peace out,
S
It is true with many types of rig setups you can get in trouble without having at least some mainsail up, but performance issues aside (you lose windward ability without a main), the E boats with the fwd and aft lowers should be OK in heavy air/big seas with just a headsail. As previously noted, if you see too much movement, tighten the lowers-BUT be careful NOT to invert the mast by adding too much AFT lower tension. Better to tighten the fwd lowers until both sets are snug.
If you are sailing like this, you also want to be sure the backstay has enough tension to keep HS sag (and HS movement in waves) reasonable, and also to limit mast movement above the lower spreaders.
Peace out,
S