Blocks - tackle - handy billy
Gary, Everyone was a begginer, so this is the place to ask a question, but do enroll in a 'Power Boat Squadron' hey? 1) First, walk down the docks of your marina, look for a small yacht rig similiar to yours, not that many rigs and it is NOT rocket science, Try to copy. 2) Buy Brian Toss's book, "The Complete Riggers Apprentice" read it twice, then if questions send Brian an E mail. He is a good guy with a great sense of humor, and is very helpful. 3) There are two lines on a small yacht traveler 'usually' but for just cruising and gettin yer feet "Wet" you can leave it centered, but be right teady to let out the main-sheet when a puff comes up. If inexperienced as it sounds to me, have an experienced friend go out with you on a calm day and put in a reef before you leave the dock, easily shaken out if need be. 4) The mainsheet should be a simple block & tackle arrangement from a bail on the boom to hardware on the boat. you can use some clothesline or a long cheapo line and run it thorough the blocks, then push the boom out to the shrouds (as far as it can go) this is the length that you want for your mainsheet. 5) Whenever rigging, DO NOT mess with the stays! Think about the entire process, think again, then do, and do methodically.
