headsail rigging question

[rick19416]

Hi,Have a 32 foot sloop with a slab reef, hanked-on headsail. Currently the headsail sheet is a single line knotted onto the headsail. The knot is in the middle of the sheet and divides the sheet in half with each half running down the sides of the boat.This works just fine for an unreefed headsail but we sail extensively in the very windy San Francisco bay and there have been several times that I would have liked to reef the headsail. With the current rig, this would involve untying the very tight knot and retying it to the reef point--one heck of a lot of work!!How should the sheet be attached to the headsail to provide the easiest reefing operation? I have heard that any sort of a metal shackle should be avoided as a safety hazzard and for its potential to damage the deck.Any suggestions??Thanks

 

[Sam Salter]

Headsail rigging

There is a method of making a quick release "shackle" purely from rope.It involves an eye splice fed through the clew & an attached bitter end (thick enough to prevent a double thickness being pulled back through the clew) fed through the eye to prevent it pulling through. It's easy to release & reattach when needed.It's called a "Dutch something" or "Dutchman's shackle"!I've just had a quick look through my boaty stuff, but I can't find it.Anyone know the correct name?It's an old method, so it should be fairly easy to find. I'll have another look & get back to you if I find it!sam C&C 26 Skye II

 

[Sam Salter]

Headsail Rigging

OK - I didn't find out what the correct name is, but the link below shows pictures.sam C&C 26 Skye II(Just 'cause your paranoid...doesn't mean they're not after you!)

 

[Joe]

Use two sheets

Connect them to the sail with a bowline knot. Your sailing life will be much easier. Easier on the rope, easier to change or relocate, easier to remove and store, easier to rig, easier to reef.