Main sheet

[Capt'n Bob]

To the Liberty Cub boat sailors.In the Cup video of this series it shows the Hunter 35.5 boats with a main sheet block and tackle attached to a traveler that was position just fwd of the wheel and pedistal.TJ, I noticed in one of your pictures that your main sheet appears to be in that configuration. If so, how do you like it ?? Does it take a lot of line as the boom is let out to the shrouds on a downwind run ?? Do you see or have you experienced any advantage to this end of the boom sheeting ??Akan, Did you add this main sheet traveler modification to your 35.5 when you added the deck top jib sheet track and jumper strut on your mast ??TJ, Does your Liberty boat still have the jumper strut on the fwd top side of your mast for the purpose of adding tension to the forestay ?? If not have you gone to running back stays or just the usual adjustable back stay ??RD

 

[T J Furstenau]

Liberty main Sheet

Couple of answers for you Bob, and a question in return.First, yes I have the traveler in the cockpit. Not sure how well my wife likes it from a space and maneuverability in the cockpit standpoint, but it does make controlling the boom and main sail nice. End of boom gives you a better mechanical advantage with adjustments, and I find having it close makes singlehanding easier. I never thought of how much line it uses for a downwind run, it's the only way I've really known it. Before this I had a H26 which had the mainsheet in the cockpit, and then before that was Hobies with the mainsheet behind me.I do have the jumper strut and an adjustable backstay. I have a double ended vang and still use the topping lift. One of these days I may look to replace that with a solid vang, but it's not in the budget and low on the list right now. I have a roller furling headsail with a single jib halyard and double spinnaker halyards.My question for you is that you have mentioned the Liberty Cup video several times, and I have not had the opportunity to see it. So you by chance have a copy or know someone who does? I'd be very willing to cover the cost to get a copy.Thanks -T J