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Has anyone devised a method or is there a method of altering the mainsheet on a B32 from the helm when single handed sailing? I like the position of the mainsheet on the B32 (away from the cockpit) but would like to be able to alter it from the helm as on the B30.
When we got out b32 last year, one of the first jobs that I did was to replace the traveller ropes with with Spectra rope ( more on this below) that were long enough to reach the person on the helm. At least you can dump the main down the track etc.
Why spectra? The original rope was so thick, it was causing friction on all the sheaves and castings. Added to this was an eye splice with a tail about 12 inches long, which ,as it jammed in the sheave reduced the ratio from 3:1 to 2:1( even more of a problem when pulling up the track).
I just made a small eye splice in the Spectra CORE – more than strong enough, stronger so you can use about 2mm smaller rope that runs easily through the sheaves etc.The thick rope problem is not just confined to Bavarias – Lots of production boats do it because thick cheap rope does not stretch MUCH.
Unfortunaely the friction from the rough finish on the outer using rope that is at the upper end of the sheave’s capacity means lots of friction.
I,ve changed out most of the rope with a big improvements in the fricion department. Still got to do the reefing lines which are terrible for fricion, especially letting the reefs out.However one of the best jobs I did was fitting a main track in the cockpit. MUCH better control, and one person can steer and sail the boat too.
Ok it does tack a bit of socialising space out of the cockpit, but he differnce to the boats sailing is noticable.Sorry for a late posting, I don’t get on this forum enough !
I am in a similiar position on my 36, when overpowered by the odd rogue gust in congested waters and short handed. With the track dropped down and sail well flattened there are times when you still need that instant dump of sheet. Assuming your mainsheet on the 32 is cleated on the coachroof by way of a clutch, its not the best place to reach when the rudder has lost traction and you are rounding up uncontrollably !
I believe Spinlock do a lever arm style clutch which also releases by simply flicking the mainsheet up, has anyone tried one of these out ? Any good ? In theory, you should be able to release the sheet from the wheel.
I will definately take a look at replacing my traveller lines.
Maybe I should consider reefing down a bit sooner too 😳
The best thing to do on any yacht with the traveller on the coachroof is to never ever lock it off on the clutch as with load on the main sheet the clutch can be almost impossible to release.
You should leave the clutch jaws fully open and take the main sheet back to the self tailing winch on the coach roof. 2 turns round the winch and locked off in the winch jaw is more than enough and it is then very easy to flip off and depower in a gust.
In my experience this works really well with 2 on board but could be a bit of a problem if singlehanded so reefing early is the better bet. Worst case though is that you will stall and round up, and as you do round up pop forward an let the main off.
Cheers
RickRecent Bavarias have the mainsheet led to the side deck and back to the helm. The line to the toerail makes a lovely line to trip over at night! Saw this at the london boat show a couple of years ago.
Alternative – dont sail single handed. Get the wife to let go! We have to use this method in strong winds.
Thanks for that, I’ll take a look around some of the newer designs at the local marinas this season when I finally get afloat ! I haven’t had a chance to check out the Spinlock offering yet.
I am already there with my other half now hanging on to the mainsheet de-clutched with a couple of turns round the deck head winch ! When the breeze is on and we do a bit of fun club racing Kim switches to steering the boat through the tacks whilst I do the genoa grinding. Getting it down to a fine art now !
Andy
The simplest way is to round up which most boats will do anyway when overpowered.
You can then reduce sail nose to wind.If you have autohelm this will hold you in position fora quick sail trim.
Old fashioned idea ,but it works.
Cheers
WishWe looked at a B34 whilst in Brittany last year. The owner had used the existing blocks between the boom and the mainsheet track but instead of the mainsheet going forward to the foot of the mast then returning to the coackroof jammers he had the mainsheet running to a block at the outer end of the boom and then down into the cockpit. He used a snapshackle so that when not sailing he could take the boom and mainsheet to one side of the boat clear of the cockpit.
I wish I had looked in more detail as to how it was fixed and what block and jammer he had used. The boat was from UK and was called Celeste. The owner may be a member.I have this summer fitted a secondary mainsheet in the cockpit. It runs from a stainless steel U bolt fitting mounted through the sole in front of the binnacle to a new fitting near the end of the boom. I used a 4:1 block and I left the original main in situ, set to protect the shrouds in the event of any mishap. The 4:1 purchase works like a dream and I can now trim the main from the steering position (one handed). The area under the cockpit sole was reinforced with 50mm x 20 mm thick steel plate running the full width of the binacle area and was glassed in.
The whole thing took me a couple of hours and approximately £150. The two ends of the new main sheet fiddles are clipped via SS closed carabeiner type shackles which enable removal in less than 30 seconds. I can provide pictures if anyone is interested in replicating the process.I have overcome the problem with the traveller, I now have a small 4:1 block between the mainsheet bottom block and the deck fixing using 5mm dyneema. This provides lateral adjustment by extending the bottom sheet it moves the point of purchase from a central point to a lateral point (visualise a V with the bottom being fixed but the two top points moving wider apart the longer the sheet is) the main sheet when hauled in tight will never reach the central point so you will always be in a spill condition on the main. Before anyone asks, you don’t need it when sailing in light airs, you can use the coach roof traveller to haul the main to windward as there will be less pressure and more time.
Sounds good,
Would appreciate seeing photographs
I’ve also been looking for a solution for this – our B32 is the first boat I’ve sailed where the helm has no control over the main. This is rarely an issue – but if the skipper is below checking a critical position it can get a bit hairy…
I agree that a cockpit traveller would be the best solution – but I don’t think I’d get a fixed one past the owner – and removable travellers are expensive…also needing access in the stern cabin lining to fit.
I’ve thought about mounting a suitable ‘cleat’ on the starboard cockpit seat aft of the cockpit locker. Ideally. this would be a jammer that you can load the sheet into without threading through the full length – but I can’t find such a beast. A side load jam cleat might also be suitable – but these do not seem to exist for the diameter of the sheet.
I’m currently thinking of making a wooden asymmetric cleat (long leg to the bow, shorter leg sized to act almost as a fairlead). The load can be reduced by taking a turn round the winch before leading the sheet to the cleat. This can be done before the crew goes below and gives the helm some chance to release and control the main.
I would probably fit a wear pad under the cleat to keep the sheet off the teak – and definitely a load spreader pad underneath. Two holes would be required – which could be plugged if it doesn’t work!
This could present a trip hazard when moving around the cockpit – but if sited correctly would not reduce seating as the area close to the binnacle is not that ‘user friendly’ for seating and it’s probably better than the side deck trip hazard that some mainsheet systems present.
If I do fit this I’ll post a photo…
Still thinking about the ideal solution.
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