My S.O. (ie. 1st mate) complains about not being able to see forward. We saw and article somewhere about using a steel lanyard (I think that was the term they used) to raise the tack of the head sail. We have a 100, 135 and 150 jib sails. I am considering shortening the 135 by removing the second horizontal length of fabric, then cutting down the length of the bottom row to make it the correct length and reattaching it (This way, I don't have to rework the tack and clue, just move them up). I will then make a 3 ft. steel lanyard to attach between the tack and the stem fitting. This will let the sail ride above the lifelines so we can see below the foot of the sail. Has anyone done this? I realize it will decrease the footage of the sail, but I'm a cruiser not a racer. I'm thinking we'll like the safety of being able to see better. Thanks, Jim Cook "Dream Chaser" O'Day 27
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Ron
My thoughts exactly
Steve hit it on the head again. You can't just cut a chunk out of the sail or remove a panal without messing up the sail. It would destroy the broadseam curve. You could have the sail recut professionally, but that would be expensive and you'd still be sorry. Possibly, a sailmaker could cut your jib down to a yankee, but..... well you get it. Do what Steve said and have a window sewn in... There is a lot of good (free) info at www.sailrite.com about putting windows in. They even have a video you can download. Ron/KA5HZV
Steve hit it on the head again. You can't just cut a chunk out of the sail or remove a panal without messing up the sail. It would destroy the broadseam curve. You could have the sail recut professionally, but that would be expensive and you'd still be sorry. Possibly, a sailmaker could cut your jib down to a yankee, but..... well you get it. Do what Steve said and have a window sewn in... There is a lot of good (free) info at www.sailrite.com about putting windows in. They even have a video you can download. Ron/KA5HZV
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Doug T.
Pennant
I think the window idea is better too, but your SO might not agree. The window won't be very transparent for long, either (scratches, spray, etc.) If you do end up cutting your sail, the line you're referring to is normally called a "pennant", not a lanyard. Some strong high-tech, low-stretch rope would work fine. If it's as strong as your halyard then it's strong enough. An alternative to completely recutting your sail is to put reefing points in your jib. However, rather than reefing downwards, as is usually the case, you will want to "reef" upwards. Attach the pennant at the reef tack, move the sheets up to the reef clew and fold/tie-up the sail at the intermediate reef cringles. You can now see under the sail. When the SO isn't aboard you can shake out the "reef" and sail with the full jib.
I think the window idea is better too, but your SO might not agree. The window won't be very transparent for long, either (scratches, spray, etc.) If you do end up cutting your sail, the line you're referring to is normally called a "pennant", not a lanyard. Some strong high-tech, low-stretch rope would work fine. If it's as strong as your halyard then it's strong enough. An alternative to completely recutting your sail is to put reefing points in your jib. However, rather than reefing downwards, as is usually the case, you will want to "reef" upwards. Attach the pennant at the reef tack, move the sheets up to the reef clew and fold/tie-up the sail at the intermediate reef cringles. You can now see under the sail. When the SO isn't aboard you can shake out the "reef" and sail with the full jib.
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Rob R.
Yankee Cut
Jim, I haven't sailed Corpus, but I have been down there for business for weeks at a time. Y'all have some serious wind... like almost every damned day. Lucky! Any way - I agree with the earlier post who recommended a yankee cut for your jib. That might fit the wind conditions a bit better, and it will, without a doubt, increase visibility. Let us know what you decide... Rob
Jim, I haven't sailed Corpus, but I have been down there for business for weeks at a time. Y'all have some serious wind... like almost every damned day. Lucky! Any way - I agree with the earlier post who recommended a yankee cut for your jib. That might fit the wind conditions a bit better, and it will, without a doubt, increase visibility. Let us know what you decide... Rob
I've said it before
ANY raising of centre-of-effort is a negative thing. It increases roll moment (and thus heel angle) and the reduction in area will upset the balance of the boat. And also as Steve says it messes up what should be the proper sails of the boat... essentially permanently. All prudent sailors recognise the inherent problem of seeing past the sails whilst heeled and they deal with it. Don't be lazy-- accept that this is how the boat is supposed to be and adapt YOUR behaviour accordingly. With two aboard the helmsperson should be sitting to leeward anyway. Let everyone else be counterweight on the weather rail. You will see better from the low side and be out of their way (and they will be out of yours). If the helmsperson is perched on the centre of the helm seat like King Henry it's no wonder there's a visibility problem. BTW-- I hope no one out there is having similar problems seeing round the forward corner of the Bimini top!!!! (grrr) JC
ANY raising of centre-of-effort is a negative thing. It increases roll moment (and thus heel angle) and the reduction in area will upset the balance of the boat. And also as Steve says it messes up what should be the proper sails of the boat... essentially permanently. All prudent sailors recognise the inherent problem of seeing past the sails whilst heeled and they deal with it. Don't be lazy-- accept that this is how the boat is supposed to be and adapt YOUR behaviour accordingly. With two aboard the helmsperson should be sitting to leeward anyway. Let everyone else be counterweight on the weather rail. You will see better from the low side and be out of their way (and they will be out of yours). If the helmsperson is perched on the centre of the helm seat like King Henry it's no wonder there's a visibility problem. BTW-- I hope no one out there is having similar problems seeing round the forward corner of the Bimini top!!!! (grrr) JC
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