Using winch on towable sheet cars?

[Travelling Westerly]

Probably a newbie question but worth checking before I break something...

If I want to move my sheet cars forward whilst underload from the foresail sheet can it be done (as opposed to reducing load then altering position) and if so I assume you can only do it via a winch?

Thanks

 

[newtothis]

Take the lazy sheet, tie off to a cleat on the windward side. Sail is now held by lazy sheet temporarily so you can ease the working sheet and move the car. Reset working sheet, untie lazy sheet.
(This is probably mad, bad or illegal, but it was a trick I learned from a pretty experienced YM instructor.)

 

[Travelling Westerly]

Take the lazy sheet, tie off to a cleat on the windward side. Sail is now held by lazy sheet temporarily so you can ease the working sheet and move the car. Reset working sheet, untie lazy sheet.
(This is probably mad, bad or illegal, but it was a trick I learned from a pretty experienced YM instructor.)

Thanks for the idea, I can see how that works.
In a blow though won't the cap shrouds (and my baby stay) on the windward side get hammered by the now loaded lazy sheet? I get it would only be for a short duration, is this not an issue for the shrouds?

 

[mjcoon]

Thanks for the idea, I can see how that works.
In a blow though won't the cap shrouds (and my baby stay) on the windward side get hammered by the now loaded lazy sheet? I get it would only be for a short duration, is this not an issue for the shrouds?

I think you are meant to lead the erstwhile lazy sheet parallel to the working sheet as far as possible. Which assumes you have enough slack to do that, or have to unreeve the lazy sheet so that you do...

 

[Yngmar]

Yeah, you can winch towable cars. Helps to ease the sheet some, as when you tow them forward, the sheet gets shortened. As usual when winching, do it with feeling!

 

[john_morris_uk]

Yeah, you can winch towable cars. Helps to ease the sheet some, as when you tow them forward, the sheet gets shortened. As usual when winching, do it with feeling!

With feeling you say? I’ve got a crew member who winches or does anything strenuous with loud noises and grunts waiting for anyone to say yes yes nearly there the head is crowning… I can see the head! Stop.