Bene 473 new sheeting

[snadd1s]

Im trying a new post..
Unfortunately i have to sail my bene 473 single/short handed most of the times.
Im considering "german sheeting" system and / or extra winches to get better control of the mainsail during gusty conditions. - to have mainsail sheet closer to helm position.
Im trying to avoid running from helm position to the couchroof everytime its a major gust coming.
Yes,it is gusty where im sailing, the land of the fjords.
Any suggestion / views?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Yes, have you considered using your traveler instead of your mainsheet in gusts? It's much easier to reset, less work (I singlehand a LOT) and it's easier and far less expensive to add length to your traveler control lines than your mainsheet. However, consider also spending less, if not NO, time behind the wheel, get in front of the wheel, use your autopilot, and you won't have to extend anything.

 

[snadd1s]

Yes, have you considered using your traveler instead of your mainsheet in gusts? It's much easier to reset, less work (I singlehand a LOT) and it's easier and far less expensive to add length to your traveler control lines than your mainsheet. However, consider also spending less, if not NO, time behind the wheel, get in front of the wheel, use your autopilot, and you won't have to extend anything.

Thanks for reply,
Good idea, but...
My previous boat (35') with no autopilot was no problem, mainsheet in hand..
However, with fall winds from the mountains, the wind can increase from 10-12 kts to 30-35 in just a matter of seconds. I see your point regarding in front of the weel and use autopilot, but as the "driver" i do like to be behind the weel. ;-)

 

[Scotty C-M]

Lots of people use the traveler, as Stu pointed out, for working gusts. Try using that for a while to see if it works for you. In your extreem situation it might not work, but it does work in SF Bay, which also has some big gusts. It might be easier (and work better) to bring the traveler lines back aft.

 

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

How about driving the boat upwind in a gust ( and "stall" the main sail; I think this is the correct English word), since you cannot reach the mainsheet and at the same time releasing the genoa if necessary? This is what I do when singlehandling as my main sheet is also on the couchroof.
This of course provided the boom is not already at the center of the boat.