SAIL LINE QUESTION

[jerry10848]

The bottom 4 or 5 sail slides on the mainsail of my ODay 28 are not directly attached to the sail, but rather are attached to a line that feeds through them. This line is currently tied off at the bottom to a cleat on the mast, but it doesn't seem right. I don't know why it's set up like this as it doesn't seem very effecient, compared to attaching the slides directly to the sail. I've attached a picture and added arrows pointing to the line in question. Anyone know where this line should be tied to?

 

[J.B. Dyer]

Flexibility

It allows some flexibility and movement when you drop the sail. If there were slugs all the way to the bottom, it would be almost impossible to flake the sail. I don't really have good resolution and can't make out the photo, but it does not appear to be rigged properly as to it being tied off at the mast. I believe if was me I would tie it off on the sail itself at the lower reefing point or whatever that is below the last slug.

 

[Seekswind]

Not on mine

The flake is not a problem as mine is currently attached and works well and Flake well.

 

[John (no boat yet)]

Jackline

Jerry,That line is a "Jackline'. It is there so you can reef or lower the sail. As J.R. said it should be tied off to the grommet at the bottom of the sail (at the tack).I've not seen them on mainsails but on jibs when attached to its own boom.Fair winds, calm seas,John

 

[Paul Mieszczenski]

It needs to be there for reefing

Jerry, The jack line arrangement is part of the reefing system. Without it you cannot get the reef tack grommet down on to the tack horn. You need to tie the end off on one of the grommets on the sail. That will make it work better. I agree that it can sometimes be a pain when raising the full main, but It sure has worked well on those few times I've had to tuck in the second reef. PM