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posted to rec.boats.cruising
Terry K
 
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Default sheet handling of a 'loaded' winch, when tacking ?

Well, as the helm goes over, I just watch as the self tending jib tacks
itself.

I know it sounds difficult, but I do nothing whatsoever as it tacks in
about 2 seconds, all by itself.

There is nothing to do unless I want to disengage the automatic, in
which case, I just let go the boom lifter, or as I call it the
"elevator" line, or third jib sheet. The jib boom falls to the deck,
and the usual sheets are employed in the usual manner, in which case,
as soon as the jib goes floppy, I release the working sheet and take in
the lazy sheet.

I seldom need to use the winch handles, as I simply wrap the sheet
around the working winch, and then lead the sheet across the cockpit
and around the lazy winch. By tailing the double winched line while
alternatively pushing with my hip on the part crossing the cockpit, I
can "skootch" the jib in as hard as it needs, using only one hand to
tail it.

The best learning method is to just go do it wrong until you get it
right. It's called experience.

Terry K