I received what sounds like a great tip regarding dousing a headsail while singlehanding - rig a headsail downhaul. Has anyone done this? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Headsail Downhaul
- Thread starter J.P. Dyer
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Very easy..
Get a small block and 1/4 inch diameter polyester braided line at the HW store. Tie the block at a convenient location near the base of the forestay using a small piece of line, and then run one end of the down haul line through it and tie it off just above your jib halyard clasp (that attaches to the head of the sail). Feed the other end of the down haul line back to the cockpit. On my H260, I use a fairlead attached to the forward stancion on the port side, although you might get away with just running it through the stancion base supports. I tied off the bitter end of the downhaul on the rear stancion (port side) so it is just a little snug when the jib is raised. When the jib comes down, you pull in on the down haul as you ease the halyard. Once the jib is down, I tie off the downhaul on the port side jib cleat to keep it down. Also, pull one of the jib sheets tight (I usually use the port side) to keep the foot of the sail from going over board. I also have a sail tie on the lifeline forward to tie off the sail when I get a chance to get up there. Keeps it a little neater and the sail controlled on the deck. Fair winds, Tom
Get a small block and 1/4 inch diameter polyester braided line at the HW store. Tie the block at a convenient location near the base of the forestay using a small piece of line, and then run one end of the down haul line through it and tie it off just above your jib halyard clasp (that attaches to the head of the sail). Feed the other end of the down haul line back to the cockpit. On my H260, I use a fairlead attached to the forward stancion on the port side, although you might get away with just running it through the stancion base supports. I tied off the bitter end of the downhaul on the rear stancion (port side) so it is just a little snug when the jib is raised. When the jib comes down, you pull in on the down haul as you ease the halyard. Once the jib is down, I tie off the downhaul on the port side jib cleat to keep it down. Also, pull one of the jib sheets tight (I usually use the port side) to keep the foot of the sail from going over board. I also have a sail tie on the lifeline forward to tie off the sail when I get a chance to get up there. Keeps it a little neater and the sail controlled on the deck. Fair winds, Tom
downhaul link & pic
i use a downhaul on my h23. i ended-up rigging a little different from the link because i found that if i led the downhaul line up through all the hanks it tended to bind and bunch-up coming down so i just attach it to the head and have the line routed aft. i also now use a headsail bag with it.
i use a downhaul on my h23. i ended-up rigging a little different from the link because i found that if i led the downhaul line up through all the hanks it tended to bind and bunch-up coming down so i just attach it to the head and have the line routed aft. i also now use a headsail bag with it.
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