Flaking the
Thanks Jeff,
It was you that originally suggested to us to control the halyard at the mast. We use the cleat, because we can tie the halyard off with a few quick turns and a tug, then go aft to help the flake.
I like the part about moving the traveler to starboard to make it easier to get at the first few flakes over the dodger. Will have to try that when next on the boat.
Irv Grunes
Hi,
My Wife and I have the procedure for dropping the main polished to where it's down/stowed in practically no time.
Our procedure has consistently good results for us in a variety of conditions and is quite easy for the two of us.
Our procedure: (Begins *after* we're into the wind and engine running, sailties ready)
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1) Move traveler 2/3 to starboard side and cleated off. Mainsheet & Vang snugged-up/cleated-off, boom is level and doesn't move.
2) Tighten topping lift very firmly.
3) Run "dutchman blocks" up until both Dutchman lines are snug and CLEAT OFF. (If Dutchman lines are properly adjusted, they'll both be reasonably snug.) I don't care where they're located, just that they're snug.
4) Uncoil the main halyard so it can run free and hand it to the Helmsman to hold firmly.
5) Uncleat the Main halyard stopper and go forward to the mast (with sailties). (helmsperson holds the halyard to keep sail from dropping).
6) Once at the Mast, STEP ON THE MAIN HALYARD where it runs across deck next
to the mast. (You are now in complete control of the speed of the drop easily with your foot. (The helmsperson can ease their grip and just keep a loose hand on halyard to traighten out any kinks that might jam in the stopper during the drop.)
7) Ease pressure on your foot to let it drop and guide the alternate flaking of the LUFF as soon as the helmsperson has lined the BOOM/sail up with the wind. (The sail should be luffing evenly over the boom. Helmsman's job, but be patient, it can be tricky.)
8) Once the LUFF is flaked, put one sailtie about a foot or so back from the mast to hold the luff in place.
9) Go about half way back the boom and, PULL the LEACH Firmly *AFT* and it will re-center the sail on the boom and help settle the flake of the sail. Toss on another sail tie or two.
Tricks that work for us:
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If the aft part of the sail falls off the boom, it's because your aft dutchman line is too loose. Don't worry. Firmly PULLING the leach in the *AFT* direction along the boom will pop the sail right back on the boom quite easily. The middle of the sail might fall off, but that's trivial and is easily reset by pulling the leach aft.
I Go forward with the sail ties in my teeth because it leaves me both hands to work with and easily accessible.
Helmsperson is key to success here. My wife's a pro at it, and she uses only enough boat speed to retain good control over steerage and keeps the sail luffing over the boom.
With the Boom slid over to Starboard some, it's easier to put on sailties and neaten up the flake as you move aft because you don't have to reach over the dodger.
We keep the boom fixed in place as firmly as possible with traveller, mainsheet and opping lift tight, to keep the boom from swinging, which makes it much easier and safer for the person forward.
My #1 tip: Using your foot to control the halyard drop at the mast. (Need shoes, no need to talk with the cockpit)
My #2 tip: Once back a the dock, neaten up your flaking!! The sail builds a memory and will flake easily if it's stored properly flaked. Over the winter, I usually flake my main as perfectly as I can, and fold it afterwords.
While this looks like a lot, it's not. I just tried to explain some of techniques *I* use along the way. Anyone who's sailed with us can probably attest that they don't recall anything "exciting" or protracted about the way we drop the main. It's just down and wrapped up in a flash with minimal fuss.
Cheers!
-JeffH