rigging for single handed cockpit operation

[bob]

I have a wife that gets anxious when I go fore ward to raise or lower the sails. I would like to set it up to run everything from the cockpit. If anyone has pictures, articles, books or suggestions please let me know. Thanks

 

[Augie Byllott]

Leading lines aft

My first recommendation is that you get and wear a harness with a short tether attached to a strong point to keep you aboard. I do it and my wife appreciates not having to worry about singlehanding herself back to port.If you type the key words -- led aft -- and hit go, you'll get about five screens worth of hits. Read each one and you'll get the education you are seeking.Good luck.

 

[Paul]

Raise at the mast anyway

I'm not saying that leading lines aft isn't a worthwhile thing to do, but all of my control lines are led aft, and I still raise the sails at the mast.Depending on the size of your boat and sail, you'd have to grind the main up with the winch from the cockpit.It's much easier from the mast. You can use your body weight.Excellent articles on sailnet.com, with diagrams, etc. Search for "lines aft" and read the articles.Paul

 

[Robert]

I agree with Paul, raise at the mast

I have a 32 Vision with everything led to the cockpit, but it is far easier to raise the mainsail from the mast, unless you're going with an electric winch, and then you'd have to be sure your reefing lines were free anyway. That's just my FWIW. It looks like a good idea on paper, but in practice it's far easier to go forward to do the job.