Congratulations!
David, I bought my first boat (a C-30) 2 years ago & it's an exciting time! Congratulations. To answer your questions: 1. A 150 Genoa MUST have the sheets go OUTSIDE of the lifelines. If they're inside, then the sheets will pull out the lifeline stanchions. I'm guessing you were wondering if the 150 sheets could be led through the cabintop sail track, which is inside the lifelines. The answer is no. Not for a 150% Genoa. If you have a 100 or smaller head sail and you're pointing there may be some benefit to sheeting the jib along the cabintop track, but, personally, I haven't found that it allows my boat to point much higher than if it's outside of the rails, and it's more convenient just to leave it sheeted outside the rail. 2. As for a boat hook, I find it to be invaluable during docking. If you swing on a mooring or if you tie up dockside I consider a boat hook to be "must have" equipment. How else are you going to get a dropped dock line out of the water away from your prop? Additionally, if you didn't mean to ask about the cabintop inside sail track, you might want to either get some sailing lessons, have an experienced sailor go out with you on your boat or at least read a good book on the basics of sailing. It's the best way to get the most out of your boat & keep out of trouble. Best of luck! Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff C-30 Hull# 632
