Coach-roof vs Companionway Mainsheet traveler location—which is best for single-handing?

[weinie]

The downside of a small non-overlapping jib, however, is really crappy light air performance (under 10knots) and even worse downwind sailing where you just can't project enough sail area.
The antidote is to use a chute to reach and a code 0 upwind. Or a screacher type of flying headsail to cover all points of sail.

 

[Sailfanatic]

For single-handing, ideally you want the helmsman to be able to adjust the mainsheet without leaving the helm.

So for a tiller, most any location in front of the helm can work OK, including a cabin top traveller, a traveller located behind the helm would be bad.

For a wheel, a traveller behind the helm or immediately in front can work well. With a wheel, I always thought the traveller setup on the cruising J-Boats showed the ideal singlehanded solution, one where money is no object.

That said as much as I may single-hand my boat, I find this one consideration a difficult reason to justify a traveller anywhere but on the cabintop. My first concern with a traveller in the cockpit is the fundamental danger posed by the mainsheet during a jibe. Make the mistake of a flying jib just once, and someone can be seriously hurt. Loss of seatting space and conflict with a bimini are additional questions.

As with most boating decisions, its all a question of what your priorities are...

 

[weinie]

What the heck is going on with those winches in the cockpit?

 

[Sailfanatic]

What the heck is going on with those winches in the cockpit?

That setup is a double-ended mainsheet, with a winch for each end of the mainsheet. You always have a windward winch for trimming the main which the helmsman comfortably can do while sitting to windward behind the wheel The setup works like a charm, allowing the wife to sunbathe or snooze whenever she desired...However if you ever take the turns of a loaded mainsheet off the winch, you'll get a big rope burn surprise.

 

[weinie]

I get the double ended (german) mainsheeting... but why not just have a block and tackle setup with a cam cleat like the Js?

 

[Sailfanatic]

I get the double ended (german) mainsheeting... but why not just have a block and tackle setup with a cam cleat like the Js?

I suspect because it'd be very difficult for a helmsman to operate a cam cleat from aft of or alongside of the wheel whereas trimming the mainsheet on the winch can be done without getting off the seat. Again, this is a solution where helmsman's control and convenience are primary concerns and the cost is not.