I have a problem with headsails getting caught up on corner of the rails just aft of the bow. I do a bit of single handling and it's a pain in the neck to run forward and manually free the thing. I've done a couple of loops with the boat going downwind just to free the thing....not the most convenient thing in the mooring field. I'm trying to maintain my "sail to the mooring" skills, sail to the dock skills...but this problem is frustrating and a potential hazard. Thanks for your advice. Linda
sails getting caught on rails at bow
- Thread starter sailorgirl
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common problem
First of all, does the sail hang up and prevent you from tacking, or is it just a nusciance? You might be able to attach a tack pennant and raise the sail up off the deck if you have some room on the headstay. Other options are re-cutting the sail or replacing it.
First of all, does the sail hang up and prevent you from tacking, or is it just a nusciance? You might be able to attach a tack pennant and raise the sail up off the deck if you have some room on the headstay. Other options are re-cutting the sail or replacing it.
Sail snag
In addition to trying to raise the foot of the sail by using a pennant as suggested below, it may be possible to lower the top lifeline (I assume that is what you mean by "rails"). I had a C&C years ago and had the same problem. I solved it by taking the forward end of the top lifeline off its connection to the upper part of the pulpit and connecting it to the toe rail with a pelican hook (use whatever works). This created a slot for the foot of the sail and avoided it hanging up on the lifelines.
In addition to trying to raise the foot of the sail by using a pennant as suggested below, it may be possible to lower the top lifeline (I assume that is what you mean by "rails"). I had a C&C years ago and had the same problem. I solved it by taking the forward end of the top lifeline off its connection to the upper part of the pulpit and connecting it to the toe rail with a pelican hook (use whatever works). This created a slot for the foot of the sail and avoided it hanging up on the lifelines.
Pennants for jib/genoas
I've messed around with a home made pennant when trying to fly a large genoa not made for my boat. My purpose was to get the sail off the lifelines and also to see if I liked the visibility forward by looking under the foot any better. Anybody have any theoretical comments regarding the effect on sail trim by doing this? The sail I was playing with was so large and there were multiple variables involved, so I really don't trust my own observations as to what the pennant alone was doing to trim.
I've messed around with a home made pennant when trying to fly a large genoa not made for my boat. My purpose was to get the sail off the lifelines and also to see if I liked the visibility forward by looking under the foot any better. Anybody have any theoretical comments regarding the effect on sail trim by doing this? The sail I was playing with was so large and there were multiple variables involved, so I really don't trust my own observations as to what the pennant alone was doing to trim.
Sail trim with pennants
Thinking a bit more, raising the jib off the deck and playing out an equivalent amount of sheet without adjusting a genoa car or other fairlead (as I don't have this option) would increase twist (same as moving the fairlead forward), right? Theoretically, no impact on draft position or depth (assuming you raise the halyard to offset the pennant length)or angle of attack? Don - see what one read-through of your book does to a guy?
Thinking a bit more, raising the jib off the deck and playing out an equivalent amount of sheet without adjusting a genoa car or other fairlead (as I don't have this option) would increase twist (same as moving the fairlead forward), right? Theoretically, no impact on draft position or depth (assuming you raise the halyard to offset the pennant length)or angle of attack? Don - see what one read-through of your book does to a guy?
It is always going to happen
All of the Hunter 27's I have sailed get hung up on the bow rail...sometimes they fix themselves, most of the time they need a little help. It's the way the boat was designed...
All of the Hunter 27's I have sailed get hung up on the bow rail...sometimes they fix themselves, most of the time they need a little help. It's the way the boat was designed...
This problem is easily solved. Tape a sail batten to the top of the bow pulpit where the lifeline meets the pulpit. Then proceed to bend the batten forward around the front of the pulpit to the other side. This will eliminate the "horns" formed by the forward part of the pulpit and catching the foot of the sail.
thanks
Thanks for all who replied. Like the idea about the batten. I also have something that someone rigged for me to elevate the tack of the sail. We'll see how that works. Thanks again. Linda
Thanks for all who replied. Like the idea about the batten. I also have something that someone rigged for me to elevate the tack of the sail. We'll see how that works. Thanks again. Linda
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