Sean Madian
Portland, OR
Boat Name: Time Out
Model/Year: 1973
Hull No. CL 3839 FX
Hailing Port: Portland |
 08/14/2005 6:07 AM Pacific Time
We have recently purchased a '72 and have found good advice/documentation on all of the lines except one: the jib sheets. The original owner has blocks mounted on travelers on either deck and swore that he ran the sheets through those blocks and then back to the winches. What are other people doing? Also, wether the blocks are used or not, how do you keep the jib sheets from winding up in the water if an over-enthusiastic able seaman lets fly and doesn't hold onto the line?
Sean |
Michael Smalter
Webster, NY
Boat Name: Marrakesh
Model/Year: 1986
Hull No. 13645
Hailing Port: Rochester, NY |
08/14/2005 9:13 AM Pacific Time
The travellers on the side decks were indeed made for the jib sheets and are called jib/genoa tracks. The movable pullys are called jib cars. For most sailing, lead the sheet from the foredeck outside the lifeline (if you have one), then under the lifeline just before the jib car. Go through the jib car, and tie a figure 8 knot in the end of the line to prevent it from slipping through the pulley if you let it go by mistake. If you are beating to windward, the jib sheet should be inside the lifelines. It is easiest to re-lead the sheet when it is on the lee side (not under tension), just before you tack.
Happy sailing! |
Michael Smalter
Webster, NY
Boat Name: Marrakesh
Model/Year: 1986
Hull No. 13645
Hailing Port: Rochester, NY |
08/14/2005 10:24 AM Pacific Time
I forgot to say why you need the jib track--Depending on the size of the jib (110, 135, 150) and the pint of sail, you need to change the position of the car. You want the jib to be equally tight at the bottom and the back edge. If the bottom is tight, but the back ede is loose, move the car forward to get more of a downward pull on the sheet. Likewise, if the back edge is tight and the bottom is loose, you need to pull the car back. |
Sean Madian
Portland, OR
Boat Name: Time Out
Model/Year: 1973
Hull No. CL 3839 FX
Hailing Port: Portland |
08/15/2005 9:26 AM Pacific Time
Michael, as my 8 year old says, "You da man." Thanks for the advice. We tried the jib this weekend with a good fresh wind and it made a huge difference in our speed. Through trial and error we played with the jib car but your advice on the out-versus-down haul effect will get put into action this weekend. Great advice.
I've also seen the benefit of a downhaul or jib furler. Hmmmm. Perhaps a winter project along with all the others. |
