Mainsheet Arrangement on Westerly Storm

[brainstorm]

As standard the mainsheet on our boat runs on a track across the back of the cockpit and has a 4:1 purchase. When easing the sheet when beating there is a big load and it is very easy for the unskilled to get their fingers in the jammer and rope burns if they are not careful. Inevitably there is a also lot of mainsheet in the back of the cockpit.
I have been thinking of changing this arrangement and would be glad of any views. I propose to lead the control end of the mainsheet under and along the boom to a block hanging from the gooseneck , down to deck level, then via a spare organiser to one of the jammers by the hatch. Still with a 4:1 purchase with a double block at the end of the boom, and a double block with becket on the mainsheet track.
Whilst control will be a little more distant from the helm, we normally use an autohelm or windvane and it would seem more practical to have all the control lines for the main immediately by the hatch. I think one could call this arrangement Bav style , although not the German system.
The main could be released more safely using a winch, but could probably be taken in by hand if I get ball bearing blocks.
I have looked at old threads on the subject but I can't find one which covers this point exactly. I am sure I will be corrected!

 

[prv]

Personally I wouldn't be keen, as when sailing shorthanded we make it the helmsman's job to handle the main while the crew does the jib, like a dinghy. In turbulent conditions I sometimes also need to dump the main when a gust comes through - arguably that means I'm sailing with too much up, but it happens.

It's not an absolutely terrible idea, though, plenty of boats do it.

Pete

 

[andyo]

Does that arrangement not remove the capability of dropping the traveller down the track to reduce power, or are you thinking of taking the mainsheet back up from the traveller to the boom and then forwards?

 

[[3889]]

How about some sort of friction device like a climber's figure of 8, inboard of the jammer? This would control the release rate of the sheet and could be fitted to the sheet immediately prior to a planned release.

 

[johnalison]

Although I know people who sail with the mainsheet on the coachroof, I don't like the practice myself, to put it mildly. Another friend had a Danish system on his Nick 32 which cleverly incorporates two levels of purchase available on a single line. If changing to 6:1 would mean too much line, this is the sort of thing I would be looking for.

 

[Concerto]

On my Fulmar I have this 6 part mainsheet with 6:1 and 3:1 purchase. A Fulmar main is larger thn the Storm's, so plenty of power on 6:1 for fine control.

Last year I damaged one of the blocks and found they are still available from the UK agents Seamark Nunn. If you want you can splice the ends of the mainsheet together for a continuous mainsheet system.
http://seamarknunn.com/acatalog/eas...-with-double-easy-servo-cleat-93102-1583.html
http://seamarknunn.com/acatalog/easymatic-1-double-block-with-cross-block-93103-1585.html#SID=1051

It is the best mainsheet system you can find and is very simple to change. I normally sail singlehanded, so the mainsheet on the end of the coachroof is too far away for control, so I would suggest changing the blocks with these.

 

[prv]

Does that arrangement not remove the capability of dropping the traveller down the track to reduce power

No, he's still planning for the working tackle to stay where it is, just lead the end differently.

Pete

 

[bbg]

Perhaps it would be sufficient to replace the block on the track with a ratchet block. This should not hamper trimming in, but would give you some extra friction when easing.

The block only turns in one direction and has ridges to help hold the line a bit. There is also a switch. In light air, when you don't want the ratchet engaged, you can disengage it.

This might be similar to what you are looking for.

http://www.harken.com/productdetail.aspx?id=4735&taxid=420

I'm sure other companies make them. If you want more potential friction (for easing), I think you could get a block that has one or both of the blocks on the boom with a ratchet.

 

[LadyInBed]

Although I know people who sail with the mainsheet on the coachroof, I don't like the practice myself, to put it mildly.

I've never had a problem with this arrangement, but I do sail mainly on auto. When I am behind the wheel I leave the end of the sheet in reach.

 

[ex-Gladys]

On my Fulmar I have this 6 part mainsheet with 6:1 and 3:1 purchase. A Fulmar main is larger thn the Storm's, so plenty of power on 6:1 for fine control.

Last year I damaged one of the blocks and found they are still available from the UK agents Seamark Nunn. If you want you can splice the ends of the mainsheet together for a continuous mainsheet system.
http://seamarknunn.com/acatalog/eas...-with-double-easy-servo-cleat-93102-1583.html
http://seamarknunn.com/acatalog/easymatic-1-double-block-with-cross-block-93103-1585.html#SID=1051

It is the best mainsheet system you can find and is very simple to change. I normally sail singlehanded, so the mainsheet on the end of the coachroof is too far away for control, so I would suggest changing the blocks with these.

+1... Gladys doesn't have the biggest main in the world, and treated myself to the 3:1/6:1 version. Absolutely brilliant

 

[johnalison]

+1... Gladys doesn't have the biggest main in the world, and treated myself to the 3:1/6:1 version. Absolutely brilliant

That looks similar to the one I mentioned, and what I would choose if I had the problem.

 

[brainstorm]

thanks very much all for your replies. A problem with the mainsheet on the Storm is that it is far from vertical as the track is well aft of the end of the boom. Tacking is safe enough but gybes can be a bit hazardous as the sheet sweeps across the cockpit.
Prv...we would still have the main traveller so can dump a bit of power out of the main but we tend to sail under canvassed and do not race.

Q.....interesting idea with a figure of 8 but not quite sure what I would clip to and may be a little cumbersome.

John....I appreciate your comments and as a former dinghy sailor share your view that the main should be immediately to hand. I think I will rig up something like I have in mind and if it works I will then go and buy some blocks.

Concerto....the blocks you suggest would be very good but we would end up with even more rope in the cockpit and as a cruise I prefer to keep the cockpit as clear as poss.

Bbg....a ratchet block as you suggest would be great and I had not thought of that, which I should have done as we had one on the Etchells we used to sail. A very good piece of kit.

Ladyinbed....thank you for your sole support for my idea!

Gladys.....that system looks great where the distance between the traveller and the boom are not too great as on your boat I think.

Anyway thanks all for your replies which have given me some fresh ideas.

 

[ex-Gladys]

My traveller is about 2-3 ft behind the at least behind the attachment point of the boom.

 

[brainstorm]

My apologies I now realise I was looking at a different Colvic!