Main sheet stop

Status
Not open for further replies.

jimmyb

.
Feb 12, 2010
231
Precison 165 NA
While atop a ridge trail along Somes sound in Acadia ME this summer I watch a daysailor (possibly a beginer) as he was struggling with some bad gybing techinque. It was a bit scarry to watch. It seemed he was directly downwind and not letting out his main. He was being violently rocked back and forth. As a large yatch sailed by it sounded like everyone aboard was yelling to him "let it out". Well shortly after he did just that and was nicely back on a run or a bit of a broad reach. I got to thinking about accidental gybes and blowing the main under severe winds and such and thought about booms taking out shrouds. I thought a simple solution on my little P15 would be to tie a stop knot in my main sheet at the point right before slapping my riggiing just in case my main sheet slips from my hands on a very windy day. Maybe someone here will tell me why this would not be a good idea. The only downside I could see is a bit of stress on my swiveling tackle bolted to the cockpit floor but would that not be better than the alternative?

Thanks jimmyb

PS> Have heard the same for stopping a center board from slamming the front of the box by tying in a stop knot before point where it hits.
 
Jan 24, 2005
4,881
Oday 222 Dighton, Ma.
I would put a figure eight stopper knot in the end of my main sheet, for sure. As far as jibing in heavier than usual wind conditions go, I wouldn't do it. Instead of sailing directly downwind and risk the possibility of an accidental gibe, I would broad reach and "wear ship" instead of jibe. In other words, come up to a close reach, tack, and fall off to a broad reach on the other tack. Keeping the centerboard down would stabilize the boat and prevent yawing.
 
Nov 20, 2007
27
Flying Scot and self built wooden dingy 19 foot and V12 WV and MD
I put two stopper knots in the sheet about 6 inches apart - that way you still have something to hold onto when you have "let it all out". Keeps you from having just a stubbiy figure eight knot jambed up against the cleat or block.
 
Nov 9, 2008
1,338
Pearson-O'Day 290 Portland Maine
Jimmy,

The stopper knot is easier to untie than run of the mill knots. And the situation that you so aptly described is a "death-roll" in the making. It must have been scary for those guys. When we're running, I usually rig up a preventer with a length of line and a spare clip. Or, I'll swing my vang over to the tow rail to keep the boom from . . . well . . . going "BOOOOM!". So far, the worst I've experienced is looking up at the sail in a 20 knot (ish) breeze to see my sail unzipping from the mast. Reef early, reef often! Do you recall those two kayakers that lost their lives in Casco Bay about two months ago? Same day. Yep, ripped a winch off the coping, gouged the hull, bruised my precious ego. Maybe we shouldn't have been out . . . Live and learn!
 
Apr 29, 2010
209
MacGregor m25 Erieau, Ontario, Canada
I put two stopper knots in the sheet about 6 inches apart - that way you still have something to hold onto when you have "let it all out". Keeps you from having just a stubbiy figure eight knot jambed up against the cleat or block.
That is such a great idea. Thank you.

Frank
 

jimmyb

.
Feb 12, 2010
231
Precison 165 NA
Man, I almost think it was scarrier for me. Im not so sure they were aware of what kind of #$%^ they were gonna be in any miniute. It was a ways away as we watched through binoculars but the 2 aboard were a middle aged man and woman trying to control the situation. The boat was truely rocking so badly that it was pushing out small waves from the sides rockin rub rail to rub rail. All I could do is watch and explain to the wife that these folks have put themselves in a real hard place. I told her that it was a lesson I hoped she would never forget. Its not one of those things you get to see in training videos. Im happy they recovered and that the folks on the megabucks yacht were so kind and alert to help them out. Alls well that ends well.

jimmyb
 
Status
Not open for further replies.