Scandlaising

Yes, it can be useful to depower the main when running toward say a mooring buoy, in light conditions or against a tide for instance; if things should go pear-shaped the topping lift can be slackened, kicker tensioned and full power quickly restored.
 
Did it in RYA practical course and since on two of my own boats including current one. Seems in a bit of a blow the wind still can make use of the crumpled sail to some extent but it's definitely easier and quicker than dropping the whole sail and as Seajet says it's quick to revert back to normality. Good for single handed sailing.

Thank you for posting the question. I've been trying to remember the name of it since my RYA course!
 
CaptainBob said:
Did it in RYA practical course and since on two of my own boats including current one. Seems in a bit of a blow the wind still can make use of the crumpled sail to some extent but it's definitely easier and quicker than dropping the whole sail and as Seajet says it's quick to revert back to normality. Good for single handed sailing.

Thank you for posting the question. I've been trying to remember the name of it since my RYA course!
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My pleasure.

The thing is, the topping lift is always under tension.

On my boat, the topping lift exits the slot in the mast and goes directly to a cleat lower down riveted to the mast.

What I have done, is to fit a ring (at the exit of the slot) to the topping lift to coincide with the lowest setting of the boom.

Then when the TL needs raising a bit, I use a two fold purchase (total six sheaves) with a hook on the top becket to attach to the ring and a hook on the bottom becket to attach to the base of the mast. Then it is easy to deal with the slack at the cleat.

To scandalise, I use a 12mm rope rove through a snatch block at the base, with a hook, which hooks onto the ring, and the other end onto the self tailing winch for the main halliard to pull up the boom as quickly and smartly as possible.

Both of these arrangements are disconnectable, and both methods work a treat.
 
Yes. A very useful technique, but impossible on many boats - struts instead of rope kicking straps, goosenecks that limit boom elevation.
 
Yes, I know what you mean exactly.
That is why my kicker is old fashioned :D...two blocks of two sheaves each in tandem, rove through a jammer and onto the self tailer.
I cannot understand why nowadays goosenecks are made so. Mine allows the boom to raise and lower easily. It is a Kemp rig.
 
VO5 said:
Anyone in here still doing it ?
Any merit in it nowadays ?
Misspelt....sorry...meant Scandalising...:encouragement:
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It was, and still is useful with a gaff rig, but I'm not sure of its relevance with bermudan, but then I've got in-mast furling, so can just wind sail in as required.
 
Yes, of course, and I agree with you.
I think it originated in Square Rig, in which the mizzen was gaff rigged.
The practice probably spread to Brigantines and then to other gaffers, including Thames Barges, etc.,
I have a slab reefed main.
I do it occasionally when I have more crew to give them something unusual to do out of interest.:encouragement:
And then, if we are surrounded by onlookers, the looks of amazement are priceless.:D
 
Happy to report that I use the technique a lot. Generally when sailing onto the anchor. Furl headsail, spill and fill main to slow down, Drop anchor, nip up the topping lift. Let boat settle on to a suitable transit. Finish by dropping and tidying main.

Hoist anchor ball, put on kettle!
 
capnsensible said:
Happy to report that I use the technique a lot. Generally when sailing onto the anchor. Furl headsail, spill and fill main to slow down, Drop anchor, nip up the topping lift. Let boat settle on to a suitable transit. Finish by dropping and tidying main.

Hoist anchor ball, put on kettle!
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Hello Chris,

but to complete the show, for the bedazzlement of onlookers, all done with bosun's call....proper...you know..:D
 
nigelmercier said:
I believe this is the approved technique when picking up a MOB under sail.
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Yes, under any sea state.

There are others, such as "irons" (Which is hove to with main and genoa) or sheeting the mainsail really tight amidships after dropping the genoa, but I think also depends on circumstances such as wind strength, sea state, visibility and crew size, etc.,
 
jwilson said:
Yes, occasionally, if needed. Just as very occasionally you might need to sail backwards.
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Yes, that's a very useful skill though few bother to learn it or master it.
The same with turning a boat in practically its own length.
The trouble with that is conditions have to be calm, wind or tide spoils it, but very impressive when done properly.
 
I do it when sailing off the anchor if it is windy. It reduces the drive from the main so it lessens the tendency to shear from side to side.

I am usually single handed and have to be up front to lift the anchor.

The main had full length battens i do not know if that makes a difference.
 
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TQA said:
I do it when sailing off the anchor if it is windy. It reduces the drive from the main so it lessens the tendency to shear from side to side.

I am usually single handed and have to be up front to lift the anchor.

The main had full length battens i do not know if that makes a difference.
Click to expand...

Can you not achieve the same by leaving the mainsheet slack?
 
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