SO40DS Cutter rig. Can it be done?

[cambridgedon]

This March we bought a 1998 40DS. Love the accommodation and she sails very well between 8-18 kts of wind. We plan to take her to France,across Biscay and, eventually, down the Med. We would like to re-rig her as a cutter or at least rig a second fore stay for a storm sail. Our preference would be to cut down the 150% Genoa and add a second fore stay for a smaller jib/storm sail. We think this configuration would make sail handling easier in bad weather, give us more options and make downwind sailing more comfortable by being able to goose-wing both the the head sails. Can this be done? How easy would it be and where would we need to mount the extra fore stay? Does anyone have any experience of doing this to a comparable boat. We have read the smaller SO pages and this gave us hope that it could be done. We are not sure if the mast would need more support (a heavier back stay for example). Could Jeanneau give us advice?

All comments welcomed. We have read Galena River's pages but she has been rigged only for a storm sail rather than as a cutter permanently.

Ray and Judy

[Sweet-Tides]

I just came across your inquiry, and since I have a 1999 40 DS, I was wondering if you ever got an answer to your question.

[3412richard]

I have a so43ds with a inner stay which is removable and can be used for a strom jib.
I could take some pictures if you like.

[pablorushy1]

Hello Richard
I have a SO 40 1999 and also are proposing to fit an inner fore stay. I should be pleased of any info that may assist, particularly the connection/strenghening at the deck point.
Regards
Paul

[lloyd]

Hi

I started to look into this for a SO 40 too. I spoke to an Italian Rigger who said it would have to be anchored well forward as opposed to behind the anchor windless. As we were speaking in sign language, I have delayed implementation. Meanwhile I bought a gale sail style storm jib from Kemp. which when I get the second inner forestay will allow me to use the sail alone[chucking away the tube]

However we are convinced that putting this sail on above F 6 would be an unpleasant adventure!

These gale sail systems were quite well reviewed in Y press, but no one mentioned the hoist!

I saw an excellent wheel tightening system in Sardinia, it is the strong point that is the issue. jeanneau in France were no help so far, did not even reply, to ,my email on the point.

A friend of mine with same boat said he has installed a Dyneema halyard for storm jib to hank onto.