New Jackyard topsail - how do I attach the halyard?

[tbennett]

I've just collected a new Jackyard topsail, can't wait to play with it, but not sure how to attach the halyard. A constrictor knot, 'topsail halyard bend' (in John Leather's Gaff rigged handbook) rolling hitch ... any ideas?

 

[Woodlouse]

Being a jackyard I presume it has a spar for the luff of the sail aswell? If so then a rolling hitch is what I use. Never had one fall down yet. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Seagreen]

All dpends. I've got a small thumb cleat on the Jackyard, so a round turn and two half hitches will do. But a round turn with a rolling hitch sounds better. As its just a fair weather sail, it doesn't need to be bullet proof. I use a round turn and two half hitches for both the Jack and jenny yards -easy to tie, easy to untie.

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[Phoenix of Hamble]

The more I look at pictures like that, the more I appreciate what an intelligent sail plan it was..... if it wasn't for the rope handling penalty, and the reduced ability to windward, it would make no sense at all to have a Bermudan rig for most boats....

Look at the sail area the main mast is able to carry compare to a sloop....

 

[tbennett]

It sounds like a round turn and two half hitches is fine for the clew stick, and a rolling hitch on the luff stick. I'll try this unless anyone has any other suggestions for the luff.

 

[Woodlouse]

I'd use a rolling hitch for both spars. A round turn and two half hitches is liable to slip and while it won't be the end of the world, it'll affect the set of the sail.

 

[nmiller]

The "Topsail halyard bend" does what it says on the tin, I'd use that.

 

[fluffc]

I use either a rolling hitch, or a fisherman's bend; depending on my mood...

 

[Seagreen]

Don't be put off by the rope. I can handle this lot by myself with no problem. I think the phrase "unstressed" sums it up best.

I'd have to use "proper" knots if the sticks didn't have thumb cleats, but this way, novice crewpersons can get the topsail up... while I snigger from the cockpit!

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif