Asymmetric letterbox drop, 1 or 2 sheets?

[jonjo]

Later this week I will be practicing with my new asymmetric sail and plan to try the letterbox drop process as described by others on these forums. I just wanted to clarify one technicality.

Should I attach 2 sheets?

After failing to sell me a snuffer to go with the new sail I mentioned the letterbox drop to the sailmaker. He had not heard of this but thought the extra weight of a second sheet would be counterproductive, instead he suggested tripping the tack and pulling the sail in via the loaded sheet.

From descriptions here the letterbox drop makes sense but I cannot imagine it working without a lazy sheet led through the boom/mainsail slot before the halyard jammer is opened.

 

[jb2006]

The sheets on an assymetric should be roughly twice the length of the boat so there will be plenty of length with one sheet on each side to use the windward sheet to start the letterbox drop.

 

[jonjo]

[ QUOTE ]
The sheets on an assymetric should be roughly twice the length of the boat so there will be plenty of length with one sheet on each side to use the windward sheet to start the letterbox drop.

[/ QUOTE ]
Well here's the really strange bit. The sail maker did not want to supply sheets that long because he assumed only one sheet would be attached at any point in time apart from mid gybe when I would clip on the new sheet at the bow and return the old sheet to its resting position clipped onto the pullpit.

Fortunately I ignored this advice and requested sheets as per your recommended length.

 

[fireball]

Hmm - only one sheet - really handy especially if you get a riding turn ... na - two sheets ... that'll do! If the wind is really that light then you can always untie it and leave it ready to be re-attached. If you don't use clips to attach them then they you'll save the weight there.

 

[RobinA]

Whats the "asymmetric letterbox drop"? I've searched the forum but cannot find it. Any pointers?

 

[Malcb]

When I raced on a J80 with an asymmetric we had a single, contnuous sheet.

 

[jonjo]

[ QUOTE ]
Whats the "asymmetric letterbox drop"?

[/ QUOTE ]
* Lead the lazy sheet around to leeward and then through the gap between the boom and loose footed main.

* [Option] Tie a cloth in the end of the spinnaker halyard, throw it in the sea and let it trail aft.

* Trip the tack of the sail ideally using a separate line that runs aft.

* Take up tension on the lazy sheet and open the spinnaker halyard jammer.

* Pull the sail through the main/boom letterbox.


I have not tried the technique yet but will practice soon.

 

[William_H]

I am with RobinA. Why would you want to drag the sail down throught the slot between the main and the boom? Surely even simpler to pull it down under the boom into the cabin?
If it is like my spinnacker this works well. olewill

 

[Malcb]

So, you drag the Assymetric through the gap between the loose footed main and the boom, plus the tack line, plus the sheets. Presumable you disconnect the halyard beore it goes through. Or have I got this wrong?

What's wrong with just releasing the halyard, then recovering the assymetric from under the boom (sheets, tack line & halyard included).

 

[michael_w]

The "letterbox take down" is usually used by singlehanders/very light crews and big sails. Less chance of losing control of the sail in strong winds and going trawling.

 

[knuterikt]

So, you drag the Assymetric through the gap between the loose footed main and the boom, plus the tack line, plus the sheets. Presumable you disconnect the halyard beore it goes through. Or have I got this wrong?

What's wrong with just releasing the halyard, then recovering the assymetric from under the boom (sheets, tack line & halyard included).

Normally we pull the whole sail through the letterbox opening then release the tack line, sheet's and halyard before stowing them ready for the next set.
Nothing wrong with under the boom, but the letterbox give some more control of the sail, shorthanded or in windy conditions.

 

[Woodlouse]

Personally I'd be tripping the tack, gathering in the foot and then easing off the halyard whilst taking it down under the boom. A letterbox drop just seems likely to cause excessive friction that will hinder hauling the sail down quickly. Speed is the key to easy spinnaker take downs.

And well done for not listening to your sail maker regarding the sheets. He doesn't sound like he really knows how gybing an asymmetric really works.

 

[MikeBz]

It's potentially a bit slower but you are much less likely to lose control of the sail.

 

[Woodlouse]

Just realised the age of this thread.... I think an acceptable solution has probably been found by now.

 

[James_Calvert]

Just realised the age of this thread.... I think an acceptable solution has probably been found by now.

It taught me something new, and more relevant since the original post: my new main is now loose-footed so it's something I might try as an alternative to dancing around on deck pulling down a snuffer.

Thanks Knut...

 

[Daydream believer]

Whats the "asymmetric letterbox drop"? I've searched the forum but cannot find it. Any pointers?

There must be a post on it somewhere

 

[Daydream believer]

Why bother with letterbox drop
You have to get lines through the boom/sail gap & if you need to gybe a bit quick or make a mistake you will end up tangled
I sail single handed, the halliard goes back to the cockpit, as does tack line so i can control speed of drop
Normally just a single turn round the winch supplies enough friction
Then once i let off the tack i jus haul in under the boom , stuffing the sail down the hatch as i go