Which side of the lifeline/stanchion to run sheets

[seapadrik]

Newbie question here.

I am getting confused when running the port and starboard sheets from the clew of my headsail back to the cockpit. On one hand I think that if I keep the sheets outside the lifelines/stanchions until returning to the block/pulley in the cockpit it will make it easier for the head-sail to go over the lifeline when underway. However, if I rig it like that I notice when I change tack the slack sheet is now draped over the top of the lifeline.

What is the correct method? Am I screwing this up? Thanks

[mpraca]

Most boats have tracks on deck along which a a fairlead is positioned depending on the sail size. The sheet goes through that fairlead before going to the winch by the cockpit.
Some boats have those tracks on the rail, and the sheet is outside the lifelines but more commonly the tracks are inboard and the sheets run inside the lifelines. Maybe your boat does not have these tracks, since you mentioned a block by the cockpit. If the block is not on the rail I think the sheets should run inside the lifelines.

[JimsCAL]

The sheets should be inside the lifelines. This is necessary to be able to pull the headsail in tightly when going upwind. When reaching or running the sheet will lay on top of the lifeline - not a problem.

[T34C]

Depends on the boat and where the tracks/blocks are located. Either answer could be correct depending on the boat.

[bestfriend]

I am guessing that you are talking about the fairleads that clamp on to the stanchions? Most of the time those should go on the inside. But don't go to far forward with them. If you draw an imaginary line perpendicular to the leech extending from the clew, the sheet line should not drop below that angle.

[sailingdog]

Seapadrik-

It would help if you said what kind of boat it is...since the group here has had experience with many different boats, and might know it. Generally, unless you have a fairly unusual setup, the sheets are run inside the lifelines.

[wumhenry]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Seapadrik-

It would help if you said what kind of boat it is...since the group here has had experience with many different boats, and might know it. Generally, unless you have a fairly unusual setup, the sheets are run inside the lifelines.

I sail a Bristol 29.9, and the fairlead track is on the toerail. I have been running the sheets outside the lifelines, but should I try it the other way?

[sailaway21]

Yes, you should. The windward sheet should be slack; if it drapes across a lifeline it's ok. The sheets inboard will allow you to point higher. When running there is much less strain on the sheets ans some contact with the lifelines will be acceptable. You'll probably re-position your fairlead so as to eliminate it anyway in pursuit of sail shape. I'll bet you're having trouble tacking smoothly with the sheets led outside the lifelines. Yes?

[poopdeckpappy]

I run a 135 mostly so I run the sheet outside, but I guess it would depend on the size rag you're using, a 110 or 90 could be run inside

[PalmettoSailor]

On My boat (32' Oday) we have a 140 genny and the sheets are inside.

Same deal on the Tartan 40 I crew on, but depending on condtions we may run a second set of sheets outside the lines to blocks on the toe rail and barber haul the headsail keeping the slot between the main and the headsail open. Probably more trouble than its worth for a cruiser, plus it would be difficult unless you had secondary winches as on the Tartan.

I think its more common to see boats designed to have the sheets inside of the lifelines.