DSK wrote:
"Gary" wrote

I'm with ya. Get the kite down. But I would like to clarify, where is
the main parting? Would a reef get the torn part of the main out of the
wind?


Good idea, I didn't think of that!

My primary consideration: I would be concerned with losing the main
completely and not being able to blanket the kite to get it down. If
the main is coming apart the kite can't be far behind. Assuming 8 oz
dacron versus 1.5 oz nylon.


I think the Cheetah has a retrieval line, you could get the spinnaker
down anyway although behind the main is easier. It would not be a good
time to try practicing a Mexican take-down!

Bart Senior wrote:

Good point. Putting a reef in would be a big help.
Tensioning the clue reef line, would help support the mast.


Agreed, and I didn't think of it, but I hope I would if it was really
happening... when you look up at the sail, you see these things and
might get the idea.

Another tactic that might work is to do a cockpit take-down: One of the
problems with A-sails is that the luff length is usually such that the
tack can get in the water even with the halyard tight. The crew has to
pull the foot back quickly on take-downs, or you end up going shrimping.
A J-90 sailor told me a few weeks ago that you can let the tack fly as
you round up, and retrieve the chute into the cockpit using the sheet.
The key is to time it right so that the sail blows up & away, as the
boat is turning. But if you try to turn too soon & too fast, the drag of
the sail on the end of the sprit has such leverage that the boat does
not want to head up.

It sounds like a good way to either carry the spinnaker right up to the
last second, or have a real tangle... a win-or-die type move.

Fresh BReezes- Doug King

Thinking further about this question, why would the mast come down if
the main parted? Presumably, when the main is eased all the way out
when running, it doesn't provide any support to the mast. The sail and
mainsheet will only provide support when close-hauled. It is the
shrouds and aft swept spreaders that keep the mast up. I don't think
the rig would come down with no main up. If it did, I wouldn't have one.

Gary