Yes but, if you put the roller jib up alone as often as I do, you'll
be glad to have the halyard forward because of all the trips back and
forth to keep the bolt wire running into the luff groove. I also like
to be able to let the jib down from the mast so I can control it with
my other arm.

I like my main halyard forward for the same reason. I can clear
jacklines that snag on the reefing hooks, pull down on the sail if is
a bit reluctant, etc.

--

Roger Long



"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 19 Jun 2006 18:51:56 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

Here it is without the cap although I've never had a problem before.

http://home.maine.rr.com/rlma/Sailing0606.htm#Halyard

Interesting arrangement but I prefer leading all of the halyards and
sail controls aft to each side of the companionway using turning
blocks and two banks of sheet stoppers. A port and starboard winch
on
the cabin top can then handle everything with minimal clutter.

For single handing a locking cleat on the mast can be useful for the
initial hoist - go forward to the mast; jump the halyard hand tight;
set the locking cleat; go aft and tail in the slack; winch to final
halyard tension.

With four sheet stoppers on each side you can have the main halyard,
two spinnaker halyards, a jib halyard, 1st and 2nd reef, outhaul,
and
cunningham. Works great, just remember to put the main halyard on
the
opposite side from the two reef lines.