C-30 cabin-top mainsheet control

[bayme]

Hello,

Almost all of my sailing is done singlehanded, or with crew that simply wanted a tan. My previous sailing has been done on boats where both the jib winches, and mainsheet/traveller were right by my seat in the cockpit.

I am looking to purchase an 83 catalina 30 tall rig, and would like to know if the reach to the cabintop mainsheet/traveller has been a problem to other people, and how they dealt with it while close-hauled in high winds.

[Jeff_H]

I have found cabin top mounted mainsheets a real problem in gusty conditions when short or singlehanding. The increased friction and extra amount of line to handle or higher loadings just makes it harder to make subtle adjustments.

Jeff

[robw_fl]

A friend of mine whom I sail/race with has A Catalina 30. A) The C-30 traveler that follows the curve of the deck, while "nice looking" is difficult to deal with - and not only because of position, but design (as Jeff mentions, the friction is as much an issue as the position). B) When this friend lost his mast in a Friday night race, (turnbuckle failed, lower shroud) he replaced with one of the Harken "level" travelers w/additional purchase. Fixed the problem of the friction. Very easy to use. But this obviously this can''t fix the position issue. Still awkward, as far as I''m concerned.

Dealing with it? Until he changed the traveler system, I have to admit, short or single-handed, there really was no dealing with it at all. It was a bear.

[SailorMitch]

I installed a Harken windward sheeting system on my boat (Pearson 27) about 3 years ago now. While still awkward working with the traveler on the cabin top, the windward sheeting system makes many adjustments a one-handed job. My track is slightly curved and I have no friction problem with the Harken system. I singlehand almost exclusively and have found the Harken system to be a big help.