The Perfect Cruising Chute Hoist.

[DJE]

Normally with just the two of us on board hoisting the chute is a busy time and sometimes a bit fraught. But we motored out of Chichester yesterday afternoon with the main up and I set up the kite as we went. Sail in its bag tied to the gaurdarils and jackstay, all lines attached to the sail and checked to be outside everything, lazy sheet free to run. We stopped the engine and bore away close to West Pole beacon with lots of spectators to witness any cock-ups.

Nice broad reach, pull the tack forward with the tack line, hoist like crazy, and with about 10 feet to go to the masthead Sue starts taking up the slack in the sheet. Just as the head of the sail reached the masthead it filled and off we went. We looked at each other and wondered if we had every done that any better. One of those moments I'll remember for a long time.

Wasted though; the race isn't until next weekend!

 

[MoodySabre]

Your brimming confidence almost guarantees a complete cock-up next time.

 

[Skylark]

You're a tease, DJE, now complete the story and tell us about the drop

 

[DJE]

The drop was Ok at Portsmouth No.4 Bar Buoy. But between the two there was a gybe off Spit Bank Fort that is probably best forgotten about!

 

[WestWittering]

Wow - co-incidentally, we used our crusing chute for the first time yesterday afternoon at Chichester Bar. We were in a charity race and we decided we had nothing to loose by deploying it on the home run as we were already second from last Despite (my) earlier sorting out of the chute & lines, the crew decided that a total string cock up would be in order. It took nearly thirty minutes to sort out the indescribable mess that had been made but up she went and it was fantastic. We stored ours in the forward cabin, attached the halyard and hoisted her up through the hatch, sorting out any twists as we went. The clew line was pre-set for attachment. We did pre-clip the Tack lines, but we will try attaching them last minute next time so there is no chance of a line crossing..

It is kind of like packing a parachute - good packing makes a huge difference and the experience has been great as we would have no hesitation in using it again - next time we may even use the pole...

This sailing lark can be such fun!!!


Di

 

[KREW2]

I have started to use my spinnaker more, if I have enough crew, when racing.
With only 2 on board it's too much like hard work on short legs, one night during the Olympics a visitor asked if we needed any crew, "Yes" I said enthusiastically, we can get the kite up with 3. It went up a treat, and we were doing okay.
Unfortunately, the new crew had hoisted it too tight and jammed the swivel in the pulley block at the top of the mast.
The next mark, a gybe, coming onto a fetch. It was very frustrating watching the rest of the fleet sailing off, as we had to continue for some 300mts in the wrong direction before we could get it down.
If I can find a cruising chute at the right price I will go for it, much less hassle

 

[mcframe]

7Ps.

Go for it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKp8mYzsQzo