Shortening the head sail?

[Jim Cook]

My S.O. (ie. 1st mate) complains about not being able to see forward. We saw and article somewhere about using a steel lanyard (I think that was the term they used) to raise the tack of the head sail. We have a 100, 135 and 150 jib sails. I am considering shortening the 135 by removing the second horizontal length of fabric, then cutting down the length of the bottom row to make it the correct length and reattaching it (This way, I don't have to rework the tack and clue, just move them up). I will then make a 3 ft. steel lanyard to attach the tack to the stem fitting. This will let the sail ride above the lifelines so we can see below the foot of the sail. Has anyone done this? I realize it will decrease the footage of the sail, but I'm a cruiser not a racer. I'm thinking we'll like the safety of being able to see better.Thanks, Jim Cook"Dream Chaser"

 

[Don Evans]

Something Similar...

I had for my 100 working jib, before the RF, an adjustable tack made from a block attached to a the bow and the tack line lead lead back to the pit. This would allow me to raise or lower the sail by pulling the jib halyard up further on the forestay, or pulling down on the tack adjustement. This would allow the sail to be lifted higher off the deck for better visibility and to find different/better air. Instead of reducing your sail area though why not add a window? You can specify to a loft the size and position of your acrylic window. Just a thought Jim.On my hanked on 150% I was able to reef the sail by having installed an additional tack, clew and a set of reefing points. This raised the deck sweeper off the deck considerably. Perhaps a couple of different options for you.Don