SHK/Scallywag & VOR Working an MOB
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@jssailem ,
On a boat/rig that size, they'll do more harm than good. Hold the boom over and crash gybe and you'll either snap the boom, rip the main, or pin the boat down with the main pressed to weather.
The Class 40 Pogo has a vang/preventer combination, and it's fused. We blew it several times just sailing, so we increased the size of the line (the fuse) while sailing. It stopped the snapping, but I worried about the downside.
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jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,140
Cruising I dislike using the vang as a preventer and rig a line from the boom end to a block forward the mast and back to the cockpit. It works for long runs. The helm still needs to be alert. Gybing involves removing the preventer then reattaching it on the opposite side. Not a race friendly structure but I find it a safer.
Due to speed potential and apparent wind direction, even downind the boom of the VOR65 never father out than the end of the (very wide) traveler. Thus the traveler can be used as a gybe brake to control the boom.
But in an accident, the sail is over 1800 square feet. Let it go, get out of the way.
Because most Class40 boats have an angled boom (low at mast and higher at transom), a traditional vang is impossible. So the vang/preventor attaches to the boom from the cabintop side, near the companionway. It has to be switched sides every tack/gybe. Beyond that it's a bit of a PITA to use, as it does not pivot with the boom at the mast, and has to be constantly adjusted. It's often left off.
The VOR 65 mainsheet system looks very similar to the J40 system I had, it required that the traveler line, or the leeward mainsheet be kept in hand to control a mainsail gybe. A boom brake is hands free and keeps the helmsman focused on driving the boat. On that J40 I once nearly lost a crewmember in a similar accidental gybe. The mainsheet caught his shoulder and tossed him to the rail. Was glad to be rid of that mid cockpit traveler.
Of sailing accidents I am aware of an accidental gybe is the cause of most injuries and deaths. You don't have to be in the Southern Ocean to get nixed by the boom. I've wondered if we should be wearing a helmet of some type while sailing in competition. But I think if you get hit by a full on cockpit sweeping gybe a helmet would not keep you safe. Most of us don't have a 1800 ft/2 mainsail to handle but whatever we have can knock our IQ down a few points or worse.
I kind of like hanging out on the deck near the mast. Sometimes I have a hug lock on the mast/boom. I feel safe there.
I kind of like hanging out on the deck near the mast. Sometimes I have a hug lock on the mast/boom. I feel safe there.
Nice boat. But a j40 traveler is what, 4 feet long? And because the boat does not plane, the boom is often out wide, meaning at a gybe the sheet slackens as it comes across. It allows the boom to speed up and also snag crew and gear. I agree that can be dangerous.
On boats like the vor65 the sheet never slackens. So controlling the traveler car controls the boom.
SHK/Scallywag have arrived in Chile. https://www.volvooceanrace.com/en/news/11430_Team-SHK-Scallywag-make-landfall.html
Had to be quite the solemn sail. Boats are finishing in Itajai . Vestas is still in the Falklands.
Had to be quite the solemn sail. Boats are finishing in Itajai . Vestas is still in the Falklands.