Main sheet jammer, open down or up?

[Vega1447]

Kind of a trivial question but..

It seems to be pretty much universal that the main sheet jammer is
released by pulling the sheet down (the jaws open down).

Mine opens up (thats the way it was when I bought the boat).

(If I can free the nuts securing the bolts - the nuts are very tight)
I could join the "open down" world by remounting the jaws below the
assembly.

It make sense to me that the mainsheet can be released quickly in a gust
by jerking the sheet up - easier than down??

It probably make **** all difference.

Just wondering if I am a "Special Vega Sailor"?

John V1447 Breakaway

 

[halandcindy]

John,It's amazing how some things just happen coincidentally. Only last week after over 20 years did I decide to change the situation with my main sheet cam cleat/line alignment. I had it to release by pulling up on the line but changed it due to less than effective unleashing of the line and decided that it is most effective when it is pulled down. The key to good alignment of the line is the positioning of the cam cleat angle in relation to the pull of the line.... I had to experiment with the arm's angle to the line of pull... but I think I have it and pulling down to release seems to me to be the most effective thus allowing to run the line through the cleats when it is pulled in (shortening the main-sheet and pulling in the mainsail) and up, ensuring a successful hold when released. Of course there is always the concern that a person might step on the line which may inadvertently pull the line OUT of the cleat, but I think the benefits out weigh this potential concern (but I DO keep a stopper knot on the main-sheet line just in case this happens!). Hal

 

[tim_klynn]

I like my cleats to release with an upward pull. It makes it easier to uncleat it when it is highly loaded.Everyone has their own preferences on set ups. tg