![]() ![]() Some instructors might refer to the outhaul as reef zero. We would generally ease the outhaul when bearing away and sailing ‘off the wind’. We can then move that draft forward or aft by using halyard tension. We might also do this, in combination with sheeting on the main hard and dropping it down the traveller, if we wanted to flatten and de-power the mainsail and we didn’t want to reef.Įasing off the outhaul creates a deeper belly (or draft) which increases lift (but also drag). We would usually do this in calmer water where we are in a higher gear looking for better speed and less drag. Putting on more outhaul means grinding on more outhaul tension. We check sail trim by examining the sail ‘ telltales. As we do this we are usually reducing draft and sheeting on. We do this by accelerating using maximum lift (using a deeper draft and less sheet) and then by ‘changing up gears’ to get faster still. When trimming on a beam reach or upwind, we are trying to improve boat speed. We use the outhaul in conjunction with the vang, main halyard tension, sheet and traveller position to change the shape of the mainsail to best trim it for specific AWA (Apparent Wind Angles) and AWS ( Apparent Wind Speed). The outhaul, when pulled tight, pulls the foot tight across the length of the boom and in doing so it helps to flatten the sail, especially the foot, thus increasing cord length and reducing draft. The outhaul runs through the length of the boom and the boom is controlled by the mainsheet and the vang / kicker. ![]() So I come back to the idea of either replacing my boom with a 4-sheave one (ridiculous) or fitting an external sheave for one of the reefs.The clew outhaul connects to the clew of the mainsail. having said that, this is exactly what I have done for the moment, having given up on an elegant boom-end solution. I suppose it should be possible to plan your outhaul/pennant portfolio for the day/trip, but things can change so fast. Even with a pre-fed line you're going to be faffing about for what will feel like a loooong time. I hate the idea of re-reaving a pennant to get the 3rd reef. If you have a new sail and want it to keep some shape for a while it's best (or at least: I prefer) to let it off when not sailing, so this isn't a "fix-it-once-for-the-season" job. Perhaps a couple of low-friction rings plus slippery un-sheathed dyneema would be small enough in JD's case. There's too much friction to just use a 6-way lashing to the boom end, plus it can foul the pennants on their sheaves (again, more an issue for my setup than JD's, I suspect). I do use one of these on the jib, using it to tension on unfurling, then lashing the tack to the roller fitting. In my case there's insufficient room to use a miniature "handy-billy" (little willy?) to apply tension before lashing. If you use a simple lashing across the boom, how do you apply tension in the foot? It's fiddly at best. Not wanting to speak for JumbleDuck, but for my case none of these solutions work. If there is a 'shelf' of lighter fabric right above the boom, it's intended to have the outhaul eased off wind. How is the sail made? Looks to have a bolt rope for the foot, but with a slider to take the main load. You will depend on a flattening reef in a breeze or just reef early. OTOH, some sails only really set at one outhaul setting and once you've found that setting you may as well lash it. Beating in chop when we are not overpowered, we normally crack the outhaul a bit.ĭownwind we will ease so the middle of the foot is about 6 inches from the boom. Or using whatever is in the spares box!īeing able to ease the outhaul from its close hauled setting, to get a fuller main, makes a real difference in choppy conditions when you are a few degrees off closehauled. I'd try a tackle of around 8:1, not just because there is tension needed, and there will be friction when the leach is tight, but also to give fine control.Ī cascade of blocks is the most economical. Some sails will hoist or drop a lot easier if the outhaul is eased a little first. Some will not look right in a breeze if the outhaul is set for light airs or v/v. Some sails respond well to adjusting the outhaul. ![]()
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