After spending a couple of days with Thom and much of it discussing the
finer points of sail shaping I went back to my riggers to double check on
the direction of work. In relating that discussion Dan "the head rigger"
made a rather useful comment. "Remember your system is designed with
multiple ways of doing things. Each situation on the ocean is different and
you will have the ability to pick the best setup each time." Somewhere
back in the dim recesses of memory I recall being given that advice by none
other than Thom. Sure enough I'd specified that to the rigging shop. So,
for example, the ability to run all lines from the cockpit is not limited to
that position. The mast mounted winches and cleats are still there. The
assymetrical cruising spinnaker and assymetrical drifter/reacher don't need
a pole but the fittings are on the mast and the poles in place. Sooner or
later winging will be needed. The power vang has a standard brother that
awaits it's opportunity and can be mounted traditionally or to the toe rail
areas as Thom suggested. The boom and deck are fitted for preventers even a
gybing brake. Stays'l stay is removable to open up the fore deck when
needed, and so on.

Also a thank you to another group of saiing folk, the racers, is due.
The loft is preparing triple stitched heavy duty offshore sails but along
with the rigging and spars they all have the refinements and sail shaping
abilities of setups found normally on only racing boats. Why is that?
Because the techniques that shave a tenth of second rounding the mark for
the racers can also be applied to every day saiing especially longer
passages. The difference may only be 1/2 knot per hour but translate that
into less wear and tear, a better motion in the water and 12 knots a day.
You've just arrived in Hawaii two or three days earlier. The use of those
racing skills does not have to be for a trophy or record but just to make
things work better and you pay closer attention to conditions as a result.
Not a bad way to go!

Well it's time for this acolyte to head for the union hall and sign up for
the next ship. However well the riggers and sail loft do their work, it has
to be paid for and not eventually.

Now Thom, about that consulting bill. Do you accept oyster po'boys?

Michael

"Thom Stewart" wrote in message
...
Donal,

The "Death Roll" there is a much better adjustment.

Called a "Preventer" It is a line from the end of the boom and taken
forward. With the pressure of the Preventer and the pressure of the main
sheet set, holding the trim, the boom is pretty well stabilised.

If you are using a Vang that's been unclipped and fastened to the deck
or toe rail it do the same thing but can be a PITA if you need to get
rid of it fast, A single line or "Kicking Strap" as you English call
them does the same thing but that can even be a bigger PITA. A good fore
deck crew with a sharp knife can be pretty handy,

How's that Doug. Is that enough talk about "PREVENTERS?"

Ole Thom