tacking problems on a cutter

[sailphoto]

This is a constant problem on my cutter, so I roll in the genny as I come about. I have ha some people suggest recutting my headsail to a yankee, but of course that would leave much less sail. One other thing to try is to release your leeward sheet and tighten your windward sheet so that they meet at the inner stay. If your headsail is a jib and not a genoa it will carry through. It all depends on the proportions of the rig and timing. I have successfully done this on my cutter with a 135 genoa, but it seems that it was more luck than skill at work.

[onenikos]

You will find out that the operation is easier with the staysl raised. The Jib somehow uses the staysl to slide through after being backed up.

[knothead]

While there are products on the market for stowing a released inner forestay, you could probably fabricate one yourself.
If you will, picture a large (maybe 12" diameter) sheave clamped to a stanchion abeam of the mast. When the inner forestay is released from the deck it is brought back, wrapped around this radius and secured fairly tightly to the rail. If it’s tight enough, it won’t bang against the mast and will be aft of the forward lowers. Just make sure that the radius is big enough to prevent kinking the wire. You can procure a fast-pin to replace the bottom clevis of your turnbuckle so that with just a couple of turns you can release it.
Truly, if you are not using your staysl that much, it will make it much easier if you just get it out of the way.
Good Luck

[SmartCaptain]

Hi Laurel,
I've sailed an Island Packet cutter for 5 years now. It sounds trite, but the easiest way to ensure smooth tacks is to use your staysail. By filling in the triangle between the mast and inner stay, you help the jib to slide around to leeward and not to hang up on the inner stay.

I love my cutter rig, and I'm surprised to see most cutters being sailed without the staysail. Use that staysail! That's what it's designed for. :-)

My .02 worth of opinion.

Jeff