Quick roller headsail question

[Tam Lin]

Fitting the headsail to Tam Lin this evening an pulled it up to the top of the furler then noticed there was a gap of about nine inches between the bottom of the sail and the furler drum. I lowered the sail to secure it but am wondering if that was the best thing to do or should I have the sail ad high as possible and secure the foot to the drum with cable or rope. Yes I know that I could look it up but am completely cream crackered and hope that someone can give me a quick reply.

 

[Davegriff]

The important bit is the angle at the top, to prevent halyard wrap.

 

[Spyro]

I would say keep it low as possible. keeps all the pull from the sail lower down and will cause less heeling.

 

[VicS]

I agree as low as possible but you might want to raise it a bit to clear the rail or to improve visibility.

Experiment, then if you decide to raise it a bit get a short wire strop made of the appropriate length.

If you have a halyard diverter on the mast, as opposed to one of those wheel things on the top of the spar, its position comes into the equation too.

Finally you will need to look at the sheeting position and if the existing track gives the range of adjustment you will need

 

[LadyInBed]

Yep, I would set it just high enough to clear the rail.

 

[Fantasie 19]

The important bit is the angle at the top, to prevent halyard wrap.

+1 .. if you want the foot of the sail lower/on the deck, put the strop at the top... I sailed all last season with that set up

 

[Tam Lin]

Thanks everyone!