single handed

B

Brian Hofler

.
Oct 30, 2019
1,021
Hello to the list!

This is my first post as I joined about a week ago. I
am a big fan of the vega and an ardent collector of
online photos of the boat.

I am considering taking the step and buying a boat but
wondered a little about the vega. I came across an
article about it in a British sailing magazine where
they nominated it in their top 5 used boats of the
year. One concern they had was the ease of converting
the running rigging to single handed use due to the
stepped coach roof. I just wondered how vega owners
have over come this problem?

Thanks for any advice

Best regards,
Paal Janson
 
R

reefmagnet

.
May 9, 2011
1,000
Welcome, Paal!

My Vega was converted for singlehanded sailing by the previous owner.
It is really quite simple. I have three lines (both halyards and a
jiffy-reefing line) that run first to simple blocks shackled at the
maststep, and from there parallel to a flat three-line turning block on
the higher part of the coach roof. From this triple block they come to
a triple rope clutch near the aft end of the coachtop, easily reached
from the cockpit (in my case, even with a dodger). I sail singlehanded
frequently and have never had a problem. The Vega is perfect size for
managing alone and is quite stable and forgiving (and tracks well if you
have to release the tiller for short times for managing other tasks).
Good luck.
Tom
Paal Janson wrote:
 
R

reefmagnet

.
May 9, 2011
1,000
Hi Paal,

I recently had the boat yard lead my main halyard and both reefing lines
into the cockpit. What they did was lead all the lines down the mast to
where the turn over the cabin trunk was perpendicular to the mast; about 6
or 7 inches above the step. From there on it was a straight shot across the
cabin top into the cockpit. Everything works great. It's pretty clean. I
also had lazy jacks installed to keep the main under control when lowering
it.

Note: The Vega is a very forgiving boat. It's a dream to singlehand.

Regards,
Steve DeMont
"Erendira" Vega 2947
 
R

reefmagnet

.
May 9, 2011
1,000
Paal,

We through bolted a large bail to the mast and shackled it to the mast step
with a short piece of stainless chain. (to keep it from riding up)
We hung blocks from that and led our lines through turning blocks aft to the
top of the coach roof. We installed cam cleats on the aft end of the coach
roof and then marked where the lines came over the coaming. We then drilled
through the coaming and sleeved the holes with PVC pipe. For the halyards we
bolted turning blocks to the side of the mast. (this is best done with the
mast down and after you have marked the location for the blocks) We can
raise and lower the main from the cockpit, Adjust the topping lift and
cunningham and take three reefs without going forward. Furling the main and
taking down the jib still require leaving the cockpit. Walt, Lyric
#120
 
R

reefmagnet

.
May 9, 2011
1,000
I sail #712 in Puget Sound, mostly single handed. I might eventually
lead the halyards and reefing lines aft, but at present they all
require me to walk to the mast.

The thing that helps a lot is a tillerpilot. I set a course and do
the mast work, then scoot back to the cockpit. A jackline and a
harness with a tether are essential. I keep a rope ladder secured
on the lazarette, with a lanyard within reach of a person in the
water. I am acutely aware of the danger of my Vega sailing away,
leaving me behind in cold water, so am very careful. It helps to
have all evolutions preplanned as well as I can. Murphy's Law,
however, is alive and well.

Regards, Doug Taylor
 
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