Catboat Toping Lift Problem

[Serve]

On my maiden sail with my 15 foot Sandpiper, the toping lift line got caught up in the sail. Any suggestions as to what I did wrong?

EG

[JohnRPollard]

EG,

With topping lifts, it's usually a question of easing them sufficiently. Because you are sailing a gaff-rigged boat, the topping lift will need to be eased much more so than on a typical marconi rig. It should be completely slack, flopping around quite a bit, in order to allow the sail to take its full shape. Of course, you would ease it only after hoisting and belaying both the throat and peak halyards.

Here is a good photo showing how much slack ought to be in your topping lift:

Marshall Sandpiper under sail

[Serve]

I knew the solution would be quite simple. I have quickly learned how helpful the sailing community is.

Thanks.

EG,
LBI, NJ