How can I rig and use two furling headsails on a Hallberg-Rassy 39?

You can fit two independently furling headsails to a Hallberg-Rassy 39 by adding a properly supported second forestay, usually carrying a near-full-height Solent jib or a smaller staysail. Choose according to how you sail: a Solent rig lets you switch between two headsails, while a cutter-style staysail can draw alongside the outer sail if the spacing and sail shapes suit.

Check rig and attachment points

Inspect the mast fittings, existing forestay terminal and structure beneath the proposed deck attachment. These determine whether the second stay needs substantial reinforcement. A deck eye alone is no proof that the structure can carry forestay loads.

HR39 fittings and previous alterations vary by build year and boat. Give your rigger the hull number, mast identification and photographs of the bow locker, foredeck underside and mast fittings. Check the original arrangement with Hallberg-Rassy.

• At the mast: establish where the second stay can attach and how its forward pull will be supported.
• Below deck: establish a load path into suitable hull structure or a structural bulkhead, rather than relying on a backing plate under the deck laminate.
• At the bow: check clearance for both furling drums, the anchor, bow roller and pulpit.
• For the sail: identify a suitable halyard, sheet leads and cockpit controls.

Have a qualified rigger specify the stay attachments and any runners before loading the new stay under sail.

Solent jib or staysail

A Solent stay sits just aft of the existing forestay and attaches near its mast attachment. It normally carries a relatively tall, non-overlapping jib. This gives you a smaller working sail while retaining the genoa for lighter weather. Close mast attachments can avoid the need for running backstays, but the acceptable separation depends on the spar.

A Solent rig often suits owners who want two sails permanently ready. Tacking is the main drawback: an overlapping genoa may not pass cleanly through the narrow gap between stays. Expect to furl it, tack, then unfurl on the new side.

A cutter-style inner stay attaches further aft on deck and lower down the mast. It carries a smaller staysail, with more separation from the outer headsail. Both sails can then draw together, particularly on a reach, provided their shapes and sheet leads are designed to work together.

A lower mast attachment may require running backstays to oppose the inner stay load. Do not copy another yacht's runner arrangement or tension settings. Both depend on mast geometry and engineering.