Getting Underway
13.6
harness or Bosun’s Chair intended for this use. Always
tie into the harness with the halyard using a bowline and
then secure the shackle as a back up as the knot is more
reliable than a mechanical fastner. The person hoisting
you aloft should keep the halyard stopper closed to pre-
vent falls. Good communication between the two of you
is also important. Tighten the D2 until it has just become
tight ened then add two complete turns. While at the
first spreader, look up the back of the mast to see if it is
straight (rather than bent from side to side). If it is not
straight then adjust the appropriate D2 to straighten it.
7. Have the person on deck carefully lower you. They
should keep the halyard wrapped at least twice around
the winch and should always have one hand able to stop
the halyard from running free. Once on deck, look up
the back of the mast and see if it is straight (rather than
bent from side to side). If not, then adjust the lowers (D1)
until it is.
8. If you have the standard rig, you need to attach the
struts at this time. Attach the lower end of the strut to
the smaller hole in the chainplate. Adjust the length by
turning the ball joint bearing in the upper end of the strut
until the holes in the pin can be attached. It is normal to
have some play between the strut and the chainplate and
strut bracket.
9. The final test is to go sailing in 10-15 knots of wind. If,
when sailing upwind, the shrouds on the leeward side are
slack then tighten them to remove about half the slack
keeping note of the number of turns. Then tack and do
the same to the other side. Do this until you are happy
with the tension and the leeward side does not get loose
when the boat is heeled. Now, sight up the mast to be
sure it is still relatively straight from side to side. If it is
not then adjust to appropriate rigging to correct it. For
example: If the mast is straight until the upper spreader
and then hooks to the windward side, then you will have
to revisit steps 6 and 7 above. Remember to always
tighten the new leeward shroud, tack and tighten the new
leeward shroud the same amount. This prevents dam-
age to the turnbuckles and is also much easier to do.
Keep in mind it is also possible to have something too
tight such as a diagonal shroud.
10. At this point, you should have adequate headstay ten-
sion. The sails are built for an average of 14” (350mm)
of headstay sag, possibly more or less, depending upon
light or heavy air. The bend in the standard mast should
be about 1% (maximum) of “P” and 2” (25mm) (maxi-
mum) in the furling mast and it should be nearly straight
from side to side when sailing upwind. If any of these are
not true, then revisit the appropriate step above to correct
it. If the sag in the headstay is too much then adding ten-
sion to the verticals will fix it.
11. Once the rig is tuned, you should make sure to add
the cotter pins to all the rigging, bending back the ends
and taping them to prevent snagged lines, sails, and
fingers.
Remember that rigging, like everything else, can age. As
it gets older, it may need to be replaced. The frequency
for which this becomes necessary depends on the climate
and conditions in which the boat is sailed. For example:
If you sail in the Caribbean, it should be replaced every 2-
3 years compared to every 10 years for the Great Lakes.
You should consult a professional rigger for advice.
13.4 Returning to Port
After completing the day’s cruise and mooring your boat,
shut down the engine.
* Reduce engine speed to idle. Place transmission con-
trol in neutral. Allow engine to idle for a few minutes.
* Move switch to OFF to shut down the engine.
Before going ashore, check the following items:
Shore power on and plugged in
Battery charger operating
Shaft and rudder log for leaks
A thorough washdown of your hull, decks, and rigging
with soap and fresh water will help keep your boat looking
like new for years.
Note: See the AC Electric section in this manual for information
on connecting the shore power, and the Water Systems chapter
for information on connecting the dockside water supply.
13.5 Emergency Operations
You should always understand and be prepared to
engage in Emergency Operations aboard your boat. The
sea is unforgiving in this area, and you can find yourself
in very bad trouble in a very short time, even if you are
prepared.
Do not rely on this manual to educate you in all the
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