|
If I have crew then the port (crew operated) side is up to the crew. I have four handles on board, two that float are left outside in the slot next to the winch, two are inside.
The centerboard's are operated using a standard winch handle, two turns up, two turns fully down. It helps to have a handle at each centerboard because if you are going to swap boards you want to lower to the up board, THEN raise the down board - without having to chase down the handle on the down side.
Single handed is different, I take out the handle on the starboard side and leave it in on the port side.
It's in on port because on a catamaran it's a fair distance from my helm which is on the starboard side and I want to be able to trim it when I get there, not fumble for a handle.
If it's truly windy out and I might have to blow a sheet the handle is out and the sheet tail is in my hand ready to snap off the winch. The main sheet rides over my shoulder for the same reason.
The way my self tailers are set up (pointed inboard) I can simply snap the sheet (like a whip) and it'll pop off the winch and blow a sail even when I'm standing ten feet away to starboard.
Catamaran's that are homes don't like to fly hulls.
If for any reason I need to go forward I'm more likely to go on the starboard side, so I take it out so it's not a trip hazard on the way.
|