What happens if a main sail rips DURING A mid Ocean passage?

A conversation with the Captain of @SailingTeatime

First thoughts?

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Domi: I heard the sail wasn’t stable, so I knew something must have happened. So I checked the main sail. At first, I didn’t think much of it because sail adjustment is usual. My mind didn’t jump to the fact the sail had ripped. I just knew the sail wasn’t holding properly and that something had changed, so I immediately went to check it. 

What happens if a main sail rips mid passage? 

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Domi: I don’t know what normally happens. This was the first time it has happened to me.

I just was thinking of the safest and easiest option.

My first idea was to furl it in, but with that option the

remains of the main sail would be stuck.

So the other solution, with the waves and wind conditions around us, was to tie it down and switch to sailing solely with the Genoa sail. 

How did this affect your current passage?

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Domi: This only set us back by thirty minutes, but we had to make a few adjustments after. After tying up the main sail, we opened the Genoa sail more. Only using the Genoa sail slowed us down a few knots. We had to start the engine along with the sail so we could arrive before dark to be able to see the pass and safely navigate through the coral to a place where we could safely anchor.