We are having problems with tacking, especially in strong winds, with the genoa sheets. the leeward sheet tends to loop itself around the mast steps on either side of the boat requiring freeing to enable the next tack. Is there something which could be put over or around these steps to prevent this?
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Digger, I'm not familiar with the setup on your boat. Can you explain "mast steps"? To aid with tacking, prior to releasing the working sheet all slack should be removed from the lazy sheet and have as few turns as needed on the winch. Also, if you have self-tailing winches, do not use the tailer until most of the sheet is in on the new tack. When tacking you will find it more efficient and beneficial to delay the release of the working sheet to allow the jib help tack the boat and move the sails clew more quickly across the deck. Of course, any protruding object is going to catch a line(the old story, if a line can snag, it will) but better technique can minimize your chances.
genoa tacking problems
as alan said above. but also if you are slow at tacking and the leward sheet floggs a bit with the sail it will do what you are saying. i have the same prob. with out mast steps my cure is to bring in the leward sheet as you tack to take up slack. this should stop the leward sheet from flying around and getting caught. the only other alternative is to loop an 1/8th inch line around each mast step affected so the jib sheet cannot rap and get hung up on the mast step.
as alan said above. but also if you are slow at tacking and the leward sheet floggs a bit with the sail it will do what you are saying. i have the same prob. with out mast steps my cure is to bring in the leward sheet as you tack to take up slack. this should stop the leward sheet from flying around and getting caught. the only other alternative is to loop an 1/8th inch line around each mast step affected so the jib sheet cannot rap and get hung up on the mast step.
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