A storm headsail is not that much $$ if you get a presized one. Normally I don't recommend links to sailmakers other than our local folks, but for a storm sail, might as well grab one of these.
http://thesailwarehouse.com/cgi-bin/...stormsails.htm
The reason I've never been keen on the Gale Sail is that honestly, I don't think I want a furled sail up at all if it gets to the point where I need a storm headsail. However, that's just me and my uninformed opinion, seeing as I have very little experience with roller furling sails.
I used one on the 2004 SHTP when we sailed out into 35-40 knots and pretty big seas. I discovered that my Santana 3030 wouldn't lie ahull with two reefs in and a storm headsail. The double-reefed main overpowered the headsail.
Last edited by AlanH; 02-15-2017 at 01:31 PM.
1968 Selmer Series 9 B-flat and A clarinets
1962 Buesher "Aristocrat" tenor saxophone
Piper One Design 24, Hull #35; "Alpha"