Hi all
I have recently bought a small Gaff rigged sloop.
I sail this single handed and would appreciate any advice for how I can easily drop the mainsail safely.
In previous attempts after rounding up into the wind. I have found that I need to release both throat and peak halyard, I then cleat them off. What happens to me next is the boom drops on to the side of the boat and the sail billows out and tries to go over the side. All very messy and possibly dangerous.
Although I have been told to ease the mainsheet after rounding up into the wind. If I do this the boom can go over the side sail and all. This can be very tricky when there is a swell. So I now round up and then tighten the mainsheet to hold the boom almost amidships.
My question is simply. How can I drop the main safely without the boom and sail going over the side??
My main is controlled only by mainsheet,throat halyard, and peak halyard.
no boom vangs,cunninghams, travellers etc. The boom is only supported at the gooseneck and by sail tension from the gaff.
Your help would be appreciated
Shazzer
I have recently bought a small Gaff rigged sloop.
I sail this single handed and would appreciate any advice for how I can easily drop the mainsail safely.
In previous attempts after rounding up into the wind. I have found that I need to release both throat and peak halyard, I then cleat them off. What happens to me next is the boom drops on to the side of the boat and the sail billows out and tries to go over the side. All very messy and possibly dangerous.
Although I have been told to ease the mainsheet after rounding up into the wind. If I do this the boom can go over the side sail and all. This can be very tricky when there is a swell. So I now round up and then tighten the mainsheet to hold the boom almost amidships.
My question is simply. How can I drop the main safely without the boom and sail going over the side??
My main is controlled only by mainsheet,throat halyard, and peak halyard.
no boom vangs,cunninghams, travellers etc. The boom is only supported at the gooseneck and by sail tension from the gaff.
Your help would be appreciated
Shazzer