by Gary Swangler
Last update: January 3, 1997 (Copied from old J/30 website)

And by now, all J/30 owners have at least one mainsail collecting dust in the basement, never to be seen or used again. The “Parking Sail” offers a simple and cheap solution to two problems: sailing at anchor and using an old mainsail. Total cost of the sail is about $30.
Needed materials and tools:
- 1 Old Mainsail (we all have plenty of these!)
- 6 1/2-in. grommets
- 6 Dog clips
- 6 Shackels
- 1 1/2-in. grommet tool
- 1 Soldering iron (to seal foot of sail)
The sail is attached to the backstay with dog clips (see photo). The main halyard is used to hoist, back stay adjuster gives tension, and a reefing line is tied to the clew. Hoist the sail backwards, that is bolt rope along the back stay.
Please be aware that the “Parking Sail” cannot be on board while racing – J/30 class rules set a limit of five sails on board.
This sail works wonderfully well, as tested this past Memorial Day Weekend. While Big Kahuna continually checked out all scenery in the anchorage, Twilight Zone stayed put nicely!