Question about mainsail troubles.

[pogosmoke]

Out sailing today and I keep having trouble with a steel cable that runs from the back tip of the mainsail boom to the top of the mast. The mainsail gets caught against it and it is rubbing on the mainsail. The cable is tight its not loose. The mainsail looked ok, what can I do to prevent this?

[beachmont]

That's the topling lift it should be loose when the sail is up if not the sail shape will bag

[beachmont]

I have a rope /cable that way you can adjust it

[Langlo06]

Cable your talking about is called topping lift and should be used only when your mainsail is up or in very light wind to keep your boom near parallel. Try removing it as soon as your main sail is raised, should solve your problem.

[mgmhead]

Try adjusting your topping lift. Probably located on your boom, look for a line (not wire) on a horn cleat. This line will allow your boom to be lifted higher or lowered, as needed. Typically, when sailing the topping lift is loosened to permit the boom to ride as low as possible, thereby allowing use of the boom vang and mainsheet to advantage.

[WDS123]

The topper will do a nice job of shredding the Manisail leach - once the sail is up, take toper off boom.


What boat are you sailing ?

[pogosmoke]

Thanks for the replies so I need to disconnect this then? I am sailing a C&C 25.

[mgmhead]

No, don't disconnect, just loosen and re-cleat. You do not want to remove the topping lift.

[pogosmoke]

So it will be cleated I assumeat the bootom of the mast and you uncleat and let it out?

[weinie]

Its main job is to keep the boom from falling onto the deck when you dont have your mainsail up. When the sail is raised, there should be enough tension that you do not need the lift at all. The only other time you might use is to keep the aft end of the boom up in very light wind to maintain sail shape. Observe your telltales in light winds, especially while running, to see if it is necessary.