Mainsheet fine tuning blocks.

graham

graham

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I dont know if they were used on the "roaring Meg"or not but IMHO they are a lethal invention wich should only be used on a fully crewed racing yacht with everyone well briefed on the dangers. Or better still why not ban them in the race rules?

In an accidental gybe or even head to wind with the main flogging they could easilly turn into a modern version of being hit in the face with a ball and chain.
 
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Sunsail Sunfast 37's have them at just the right height to nearly take your head off. Yachting Monthly had reports of two gybing accidents earlier this year where they caused serious injuries.

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Not any more they don't. The rope was cut short so they barely reach knee height back in June.

I race as a mainsheet trimmer on a Jboat and anyone seriously suggesting banning them in the racing rules has clearly never raced in 20 knots of breeze.

Interestingly we've just fitted a fine tune system to our 40' cruising boat as the sheet loads are quite high when on the wind. This issue was discussed and we've decided to simply make it policy to block to block the fine tune when not on the wind. Pretty sure this will prevent any problems.
 
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Yes, they were on Roaring Meg. Clearly id'd as bloody dangerous. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

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No they weren't. Report stated that the boat had a German mainsheet system. No fine tune needed as winches used, one each side of the cockpit.
 
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Yes, they were on Roaring Meg. Clearly id'd as bloody dangerous. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

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No they weren't. Report stated that the boat had a German mainsheet system. No fine tune needed as winches used, one each side of the cockpit.

[/ QUOTE ]I stand corrected. Annexe D of the report - which of course I skimmed rather than read carefullly - has words and two clear photos showing the danger of fine tuning blocks. I am surprised that this item was 'buried' in the report on RM, as careful reading shows that these particulars relate to two quite different boats. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
I thought the minimum requirement for a trimmer was to be able to haul the mainsheet in his teeth while operating the track with his left hand and the vang with the other.

That's why "Jaws" steel teeth were first invented! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
People can huff and puff as much as they like but if serious injuries keep occuring eventually the bureaucrats will get their own way and impose a raft of legislation onto us.

personally Im not keen on sailing in a Bob the Builder hat.

to say you cant race without them is nonsence.Yachts have been for centuries,maybe mainsheet trimmers of old were made of sterner stuff /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

At least one sensible suggestion has come out of the debate,if you have to have them put them chock a block when their not needed eg off the wind or in cruising mode.
 
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A fine trim tackle could easily be created that didn't introduce a dangling block.

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How? Please provide details. I'd like to buy one!
 
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to say you cant race without them is nonsence.

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No it isn't. Not unless you plan on just bimbling around the course at the back.
 
Yes - I agree, an excellent system !

pull both parts of te sheet together gives coarse tuning
pull one part one gives fine tuning

Used an endless sheet.
Ken
 
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