Jib sheets across cockpit

mstern · #1 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009

I was out solo in some testy conditions today (well, testy for my Oday 23): 15-20 knot winds, three foot seas. I had a reefed main and my roller jenny out to about a working jib size. There were some big gusts, which required me to simultaneously pinch up to weather and trim the genny in order to keep the boat on her feet. In that kind of breeze, I really need to sit to weather as ballast, and I started out just holding on to the genny sheet so I could have quick control, but that got tiring. I eventually used the leeward winch as a turning block and brought the sheet across the cockpit where I used the weather winch to control it. The sheet was now right at hand and easy to cleat on and off and control.

Aside from the fact that I had a line across the cockpit at waist height (and the increased friction), are there any other downsides to this set up? I don't want to use this set up regularly, but it sure was helpful while solo in breezy conditions.

thanks.

deniseO30 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009

I think it's called "cross sheeting" and it's ok, don't think you broke any major maritime traditions! I must try that sometime myself! it sounds like you had too much jenny out too. Maybe even the 2nd reef should have been in the main also?

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009

It is generally called cross-sheeting and is often used by sailors racing single-handed, so they can control the genny from the high side of the boat.

Don't use the winch as a turning block as that isn't really good for the winch or the line...but rig a snatch block to lead the genny sheet fair to the other winch.

I'd point out that you were probably still over-canvassed and that reefing down the main or the genny another notch may have helped the boat handle much more kindly.

SundancerKid · #4 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009

We use that technique when racing my 22 foot trailer sailer. We usually race with a crew of two, sometimes three, and with an overall boat weight of around 1,000 kg, two boofy 100 kg guys are significant ballast. So keeping them on the high side is a Good Thing. We even found that the winch handle wasn't really required any more - hold the tail, grab the sheet between the winches and give a good yank then take up the slack in the tail. With practice, it works as well as using the winch handle and is a lot faster.

But all that is for racing. I don't do it cruising thanks to the trip hazard and the fact it obstructs passage through the companionway.

speciald · #5 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009

I've used cross-sheeting ona smaller boat when single handing. the risk is an over-ride that may be difficult to clear as you can't easily get tension off the sheet except by going into irons.

Valiente · #6 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009

As others have pointed out, it's a good technique if you don't bust the winch or bugger up the wrap.

mstern · #7 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009

Thanks everyone. I doubted that I was the first to do this. And for those who say I was still overcanvassed: probably, but there was little I could do at that point. Unfortunately, the main in my boat has only one reef, and I had dialed in the genny to about storm jib size. Although I was in control, the ride was very wet, rough and uncomfortable, so I decided to head back in. As usual, as I became more used to the conditions, I was actually enjoying my BFS, and I thought about staying out longer. But the gusts got even stronger as I approached the shore, and descretion became the better part of valor.

Sailormon6 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009

I agree with Valiente, that there's a risk of damaging the winches when overpowered in really strong winds. My friend pulled the winches off the pedestals by doing it. Winch mounts are generally designed for a fore-and-aft load, and might not be able to tolerate a severe lateral load. It depends on how the winches are mounted. I also cross-sheet, but not when overpowered.

BarryL · #9 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009

Hello,

Of all the winches I've seen (Harken, Lewmar, Barient) the mounting pattern is a circle. How does a circle know which way the load is? As long as the winch is properly mounted (with backing plates) there is no risk to damaging the winch by using it as a turning block.

Barry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailormon6

I agree with Valiente, that there's a risk of damaging the winches when overpowered in really strong winds. My friend pulled the winches off the pedestals by doing it. Winch mounts are generally designed for a fore-and-aft load, and might not be able to tolerate a severe lateral load. It depends on how the winches are mounted. I also cross-sheet, but not when overpowered.

aferlazzo · #10 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryL

Hello,

Of all the winches I've seen (Harken, Lewmar, Barient) the mounting pattern is a circle. How does a circle know which way the load is? As long as the winch is properly mounted (with backing plates) there is no risk to damaging the winch by using it as a turning block.

Barry

I agree completely. I see no additional possibility of damage to winches as a result of cross-sheeting.

When I raced J-24's we cross-sheeted all the time, so the genoa trimmer could always be on the weather rail. One thing that made cross-sheeting easier was that we used Harken hex-a-ratchets as sheet blocks. The ratchet helped hold the sheet after a tack while wrapping the sheet around the winch for fine trim. In light air, the ratchet is not needed, so just switch it off.

I don't know the cockpit setup on your boat, but have you tried just running the sheet from the leeward block directly to the windward winch? On a J24 that was easy to do and made cross sheeting a breeze.