Yesterday didn't present much opportunity for sailing, but when we finally got 5-10 kts out of the SW I hoisted the main under wind for the first time since acquiring this boat. I immediately discovered two things. Well, three really...
First - two of the hanks (are they called hanks on a main?) that sit in the track on the mainmast are broken. How do I replace them? Does the entire sail need to be removed?
Second - the clew doesn't move very well in the track on the boom, and I can't get it to move further than within 8" of the end. This isn't normal is it?
Third - I suspect #1 and #2 are to varying degrees at fault for this, but try as I might, I could not get the roach to fill with air. No matter where I positioned the boom (or the boat), the roach would luff and the main was pretty much useless.
We ended up dropping the main and just sailing with our
jib.
Is it because I'm having trouble with the foot of the sail that I'm having this problem, or is there another element to trimming that I am overlooking. This will no doubt sound naive, but would 8" of travel on the boom really make THAT much difference?