Poor-man's Self Tacking?

[braol]

Before I say it I concede that there may be sail shape issues and that it may not be perfect...but I was thinking of running a line to a mast base block from the clew of my 100% genoa and then back to the cockpit for a poor man's version of a self tacking jib. Sort of a permanently installed downhaul like when using a whisker pole...only using it as a sheet (without the pole of course). It would make tacking a snap, especially when single-handed.

I figured I could still keep the port and starboard jib sheets...just keep them loose so I could retain the option of tuning the genoa properly if I am not lazy at any particular moment.

I already have the mast plate and free base block. Probably screw-up the shape of anything bigger than the 100% genoa sail, but I also have a 75% (or so) genoa I could try too.

Thoughts?

 

[markwbird]

more than minor sail shape issues

If I understand correctly when you pull the sail in tight the clew will be at the mast or thereabouts. When not pulled in tight, as on a beam reach, it will be more than a little misshapen. It will have a sort of hove-to shape. I like the idea but perhaps a little more sophisticated system that will give better sail shape would be in order.

 

[H30Gary]

Yes, jib shape would be very bad unless you rigged a pole from the jib tack to the clew, to keep the foot tight. This would turn the sail into a so-called club footed jib, which would then self-tack.

 

[Bill Roosa]

The sheet "should" pull on the foot and leach to straighten them not sidewways just to bring the clew inboard. your sail shape will be just nasty on all but a down wind run.