Looking for more refined trim info

[BubbleheadMd]

I often hear this: "Don't be afraid to reef your sail" Is it a point of pride or something? I certainly have no intention of being embarrased because I'm running the working jib or running with a reef in when others are not.

Your advice is sound, and I plan on doing just that- starting off with less sail, stopping, making changes. I guess some people may feel embarrassed because with sails, other sailors can see what you're doing from miles away and they don't want to advertise their lack of skill or whatever.

I'm starting to get a little confused about trimming the main though.

I have a boom vang and traveler. I don't see sheets attached to the boom. This means that I'd have limited ability to let the boom out and spill some air from it if I had to.

Are there supposed to be sheets attached to it if I have a vang?

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by BubbleheadMd

I often hear this: "Don't be afraid to reef your sail" Is it a point of pride or something? I certainly have no intention of being embarrased because I'm running the working jib or running with a reef in when others are not.

Your advice is sound, and I plan on doing just that- starting off with less sail, stopping, making changes. I guess some people may feel embarrassed because with sails, other sailors can see what you're doing from miles away and they don't want to advertise their lack of skill or whatever.

I'm starting to get a little confused about trimming the main though.

I have a boom vang and traveler. I don't see sheets attached to the boom. This means that I'd have limited ability to let the boom out and spill some air from it if I had to.

Are there supposed to be sheets attached to it if I have a vang?

You should definitely have a mainsheet which is the primary piece of running rigging for mainsail trim. It will be a single line that runs from the boom down to the traveller. It is likely doubled up a few times as it passes back and forth between blocks and spans the space between the traveller and boom. There should be a jam cleat or something similar down where it attaches to the traveller, which is used to secure it and prevent it from running out. Here's a photo of ours, my father's right hand is gripping the mainsheet:




The vang and traveller are essentially used for tweeking the mainsail trim. Right now, as a novice, you don't need to worry too much about them. Set the traveller at the centerline of the boat, and put a small amount of tension on the vang, then just leave them both alone while you concentrate on learning coarse mainsail trim. Once you get that down pat, you can start tweeking the other adjustments.

[BubbleheadMd]

Ahhhh! It's there. I understand now. You're exactly right, it's set up just that way. Thanks.