Setting
sails______________________________________
No yacht
wil
sail well if the sails are badly set. The points which follow are therefore
included to assist in setting sails correctly.
Hoisting
Whilst this is a very straight forward procedure in itself, the amount of tension in
the halyard depends on wind conditions. All modern sails respond well to differing
tensions. Hoist the sail fully ensuring that on a mainsail there are no wrinkles in the
luff and also that on a
headsail
the luff does not curve away from the forestay
between the hanks. Creases in a sail are the first sign of incorrect tension and
depending on their position on the sail, indicate whether there is too much or too
little tension in the halyard.
Sheeting and trimming
The basic rule of sail sheeting is "let it out till it flaps,
pul
it in till it stops."
Trimming and sheeting are best explained in books specifically written for the
purpose. It is recommended that every yacht's library has one.
Kicker
This controls the amount of twist in the mainsail and also ensures that the boom
does not
'kick
up'.
Therefore, there must always be some tension in the kicking
strap, the only exception being when the mainsail is sheeted in hard. The easiest
way to tension the kicking strap to the optimum position is by using the top batten
as a guide. This should be parallel to the boom. If it lies to leeward, tighten the
kicking strap and if it lies to windward loosen it.
Mainsail
reefing_____________________________________
All current production yachts are fitted with either slab reefing or in-mast furling
systems.
Issue 3 Page 2.9
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