I used to have a downhaul for the jib when I had my Cal 20. Used Thom's
suggested design, and it worked great.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

"Bart" wrote in message
oups.com...

Dave wrote:

Bart" .@. said:

Describe one rigging change you made to your boat that
made you life easier. [1 pt]

Rigged a jib downhaul so when I drop the jib from the cockpit I usually
don't have to go forward.

Piece of shock cord from the end of the topping lift to the pushpit, so
when
I remove the topping lift from the boom the cord pulls it clear of the
sail's leach and holds it ready to be grabbed and re-attached before
dropping the main. Again, no need to go forward to secure the lift to the
mast or to retrieve it before dropping sail.

Surprisingly, not many people actually do this with hank-on
jibs. It makes a lot of sense. I've discussed the concept with
other sailors for a dozen years, yet I've only witnessed it used
on one boat--yours Dave, and it is effective.