Re: Never leave the wheel to adjust
You may be interested what 'pushed' me towards this: After only having sailed this boat for 2 weeks and the main sheet coming loose as you described, the main furler got stuck when trying to furl in about 16 knots. The J Hook's lock nut had come loose and the hook had jammed solid in the mast cavity. After an hour going in circles (not knowing much about furling masts then - but have learnt an awful lot since, mainly thanks to Charleston's very prompt response by sending me a manual copy overnight) managed to get the sail down (would not have been necessary had I known the 'ins/outs' of the contraption then).
However, point of story is that whe I initially loosened the main sheet and outhaul slightly to release tension the main sheet left its cleat letting the boom bash about and with it the outhaul block which is close to 1/2 pd virtual solid metal. It flew around me like something posessed (won't mention anything here that is politically not correct). This is the most lethal thing I have had near me since my last car accident.
Your and Witzend's suggestion should put an end to any such future concerns. That is, after I have found out why the toilet siphons water into the boat when set on 'out' and why the anchor winch suddenly refuses to light up/work, fixing the dinghy's leaks and spending quality time cleaning up the seagulls' (who have decide they like the boat too) appreciation marks (might join the shooters' party next election).
However, still fun and beats office work.