Best way to attach jib sheets to the jib

[Johnny Henson]

I recently purchased a Catalina 22 (a first time owner), and I am trying to learn the basics. I have been attaching the jib sheets to the jib with bowline knots, but I am "hanging up" on the shrouds. I noticed some other sailboats with the jib sheets being made of one long line, with a clip tied in the middle of the line, which attaches to the clew of the jib. I have not seen this in any of the manuals or books, but it looks like it would solve my problem of "hanging-up" so much. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions anyone might have as to the best way to attach the jib sheets to the jib.Johnny Henson

 

[Joe Voss]

Jib sheets

I put short pieces of pvc on my Shrouds to protect my feet from the Turnbuckles and so the jib rolls easily over. I bend my sheets on with bowlines.

 

[MJ]

bowline

I used to use one line. But then I learned quickly that if I had to change sails I also had to take the sheet out of the jib lead block. A real pain. Also, if you have a shackle attaching the sheet to the clew you run the risk of getting beaten up when the sail is flogging while you are changing sails or whatever. Go with the bowline, but re-tie it with the knot facing outward. This works.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners]

Whatever works

Use whatever method works best for you. All of my headsails have dedicated sheets. Not by design, just sort of happened that way. One has the really long line attached in the middle (though not with a shackle). Another has bowlines attached. I don't normally change headsails mid-sail since I usually am daysailing and the weather is pretty static when I go out so "permanently" attached sheets has worked fine for me. Try some different things & see if you like how they work. The only thing I would recommend is to rethink the use of a shackle cuz of possible failure but who knows!LaDonna

 

[Aldo]

Loop in the middle

Johnny: I also didn't want to use a shackle because it could hurt you or your crew as others have mentioned in their responses. We have 3 jibs for our C-22 and do change sails all the time. What I did was tie a knot in the middle of the long jib sheet line, that has a loop in it. The loop is about 3 or four inches from the knot. Also attached to the knot(I think by sewing it)is a piece of line about 3/4 inches in diameter and about 5 inches long. I push the loop through the grommet in the jib then stick the 3/4 inch diameter line though the loop. The loop then can't pull out of the grommet. This has worked for me for years, and won't hurt anyone if the sail is flapping violently. If you want a photo, because this type of thing is hard to describe in words, send me an e-mail message at aadjcamacci@panetwork.com, and I send a photo or 2 to you. Aldo