Lowering Mainsail

[muskie]

I jumped on my friend's Dufour 41 last time and he told me to use the winch to pick up the tension of the main halyard before I uncleat and lowering the mainsail.

My questions are:
1. What is the benefit to doing that?
2. Is this applied to all keel boats? (I have a Yamaha 26 and never doing that before)

Thanks for any reply in advance.

 

[Strathglass]

It is much kinder on the haliards as the slip through cleat will cause chaff.

On a larger craft you may not be able to hold the main haliard without a turn around the winch.

Some cleats will not release unless the free end of the haliard is hardened a bit.

You will be able to drop the main in a more controlled manner if you are have a turn around a winch.

Definately a good idea.

Iain

 

[brianhumber]

Enables anybody regardless of strength in their hands to 'flip' the jammer
Ensures control
Prob less wear on the halyard in the jammer which is always the around the same point on the halyard for full and reef positions

Standard practice to drop main on Ronhilda (45 Barracuda)

Bri