Sails & rigs
Storm jib
A small, strong headsail for heavy weather, set forward of the mast.
DutchStormfokour Dutch loft →
SpanishTormentínour Spanish loft →
A storm jib is a small, heavily built headsail for conditions where the working jib or partly rolled genoa is too much sail. It sets forward of the mast and keeps enough drive to balance a deeply reefed main or trysail.
It is not just a tiny jib. The cloth is heavier, the patches are stronger, and the clew is usually high so waves and deck water have less to grab. The sail is cut flatter than a light-air headsail because the wind that calls for it already supplies all the power you need.
Attachment matters. Some storm jibs hank to an inner forestay; others set over a furled headsail with a sleeve or dedicated system. What matters is that the sail can be hoisted reliably when the boat is already loaded and wet.