Today was a watershed day. If you have seen my earlier posts on the H26, you may be aware that I have lamented the lack of a traveler on the H26. I had plans to build a removable traveler but today I found the solution. Damn if it didn't work perfectly. And the best part is that it costs NOTHING and does not require any modifications to the sailboat.
So here is what happened ... we were pointing as high as we could to avoid a shoal marker... and remembering that if I simply grabbed the main sheet block lines and hauled them over, the boat could point a little better.... but my arms got tired so I grabbed the sail tie and used it like a barber hauler and was able to move the boom to mid-cockpit. Damn the boat picked up speed and flattened out noticeably. Everyone on the boat (6 of us) noticed the "jump" in the boat's performance. In addition to moving the boom to mid-ship, it also flattened the sail. See photos.
All you need is some sort of line with a loop in it. loop it around the main sheet (see photos) and bring the line to the windward winch. Crank and enjoy the ride.