What to do in a severe knockdown?
 

I hope no one minds a question from a lurker who drops by from time to
time.

The subject of experiencing a knockdown was recently raised and I'd
like to further extend the subject by asking what can/should one do
when knocked down?

I was recently on a 21 footer with my son-in-law at the till cruising
along fairly well with 25-30 knot winds when he noticed we were
heading into an area of additional wind. While alerting me, he
disengaged the mainsheet and when we rolled he let it fly. The roll
took us over nearly 90 degrees and we shipped water over the coaming 6
to 10 inches in depth. Realizing how little effect releasing the main
had had, he tried to uncleat the jib. This is where we found that
despite the angle of the sail to the wind, little or no wind was being
dumped and it was a difficult task, to say the least, to uncleat the
sheet. In our case, he tried three or four mighty tugs while on the
high side of the boat with no success, so he dropped down to the low
side in order to grasp the sheet close to the camcleat and after a
couple more mighty tugs it came loose and we righted.

Did he do the right thing? Or should something else have been done?

We remind that it was a 21 footer, with a centerboard.

Thanks.

In article ,
tom wrote:
I hope no one minds a question from a lurker who drops by from time to
time.

The subject of experiencing a knockdown was recently raised and I'd
like to further extend the subject by asking what can/should one do
when knocked down?

I was recently on a 21 footer with my son-in-law at the till cruising
along fairly well with 25-30 knot winds when he noticed we were
heading into an area of additional wind. While alerting me, he
disengaged the mainsheet and when we rolled he let it fly. The roll
took us over nearly 90 degrees and we shipped water over the coaming 6
to 10 inches in depth. Realizing how little effect releasing the main
had had, he tried to uncleat the jib. This is where we found that
despite the angle of the sail to the wind, little or no wind was being
dumped and it was a difficult task, to say the least, to uncleat the
sheet. In our case, he tried three or four mighty tugs while on the
high side of the boat with no success, so he dropped down to the low
side in order to grasp the sheet close to the camcleat and after a
couple more mighty tugs it came loose and we righted.

Did he do the right thing? Or should something else have been done?

We remind that it was a 21 footer, with a centerboard.

I'd say preparing to release the jib sooner would have helped. Also,
not heading into the area of higher wind, turning more to wind, and
releasing the main before the higher wind came to fore would have been
appropriate. I don't think there's much else you could do. You didn't
say whether or not you were reefed. That would help a lot, but it's
pretty hard to do with just a few seconds.

I have a 20 footer with a 950 pound keel, so I'm in better shape. We
sail in similar conditions.

--
Jonathan Ganz (j gan z @ $ail no w.c=o=m)
http://www.sailnow.com
"If there's no wind, row."

tom wrote:

Did he do the right thing? Or should something else have been done?

I guess the answer is that the jibsheet should have been released sooner.
Maybe the helm should be looking after the mainsheet as well as the tiller?

I crew on a 22.5-footer, and the helm handles mainsheet and tiller. If we're
short-handed while out in a blow, I lead the free end of the cleated
jibsheet (goes from coaming, to coachroof winch, down to a clamcleat on the
bulkhead) over to the high side and drape it round the other winch. If
things go pear-shaped, I can dump air from the jib without having to move
around the boat.


--
Wally
www.artbywally.com
www.wally.myby.co.uk

tom wrote:
Did he do the right thing? Or should something else have been done?


Well, you lived to tell about it, so how wrong could it be? But there
may be better ways to handle the situation.


Wally wrote:
I guess the answer is that the jibsheet should have been released sooner.
Maybe the helm should be looking after the mainsheet as well as the tiller?

I think that's a good answer. It's universal on small boats.


I crew on a 22.5-footer, and the helm handles mainsheet and tiller. If we're
short-handed while out in a blow, I lead the free end of the cleated
jibsheet (goes from coaming, to coachroof winch, down to a clamcleat on the
bulkhead) over to the high side and drape it round the other winch. If
things go pear-shaped, I can dump air from the jib without having to move
around the boat.


The big payoff is when the sheets are trimmed pro-actively, with
feedback from the hand on the helm. As the boat gets overpowered, the
helm loads up and easing the main keeps the boat on her feet and
driving... at some point, as the main is eased, the force on the jib
tends to push the bow to leeward so that helps the boat balance too.

But if the boat heels too far and the force on the jib too great, it can
not only lay the boat on her side but also spin it to leeward... a bad
scenario. My philosophy has always been to start easing the jib sheet as
well as the main, any time the gust is bad enough to require easing more
than, say a foot or so, of mainsheet.

It all require some forethought. FOr example, the time to think about
putting in the hatchboards is not when the water is already pouring in!

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

on my boat, i don't cleat the jib
i take enough turns around the cleat to allow it to friction slide based on
wind conditions
if the wind picks up the jib "automatically" releases

it also sound as though he cleated it in a way that jambed it from releasing
a book of knots for xmas would do him well
gf


"tom" wrote in message
om...
I hope no one minds a question from a lurker who drops by from time to
time.

The subject of experiencing a knockdown was recently raised and I'd
like to further extend the subject by asking what can/should one do
when knocked down?

I was recently on a 21 footer with my son-in-law at the till cruising
along fairly well with 25-30 knot winds when he noticed we were
heading into an area of additional wind. While alerting me, he
disengaged the mainsheet and when we rolled he let it fly. The roll
took us over nearly 90 degrees and we shipped water over the coaming 6
to 10 inches in depth. Realizing how little effect releasing the main
had had, he tried to uncleat the jib. This is where we found that
despite the angle of the sail to the wind, little or no wind was being
dumped and it was a difficult task, to say the least, to uncleat the
sheet. In our case, he tried three or four mighty tugs while on the
high side of the boat with no success, so he dropped down to the low
side in order to grasp the sheet close to the camcleat and after a
couple more mighty tugs it came loose and we righted.

Did he do the right thing? Or should something else have been done?

We remind that it was a 21 footer, with a centerboard.

Thanks.

In article , gonefishiing wrote:
on my boat, i don't cleat the jib
i take enough turns around the cleat to allow it to friction slide based on
wind conditions
if the wind picks up the jib "automatically" releases

How do you tighten the sheet in heavy air? Do you have it around a
winch before the cleat? Seems like you'd be getting a lot of
unnecessary chafe from around a cleat.


--
Jonathan Ganz (j gan z @ $ail no w.c=o=m)
http://www.sailnow.com
"If there's no wind, row."

yes it around the winch
cafe?
oh that's the coffee place

chafe?
what chafe?
chafe happens when lines move back and forth
not enough from an even sliding that anything discernible should be
discussed

its friday: i'm out of here with my daughter to find some place in the west
village for some dolce
ciao....adomani
gf.

"Jonathan Ganz" wrote in message
...
In article , gonefishiing
wrote:
on my boat, i don't cleat the jib
i take enough turns around the cleat to allow it to friction slide based
on
wind conditions
if the wind picks up the jib "automatically" releases

How do you tighten the sheet in heavy air? Do you have it around a
winch before the cleat? Seems like you'd be getting a lot of
unnecessary chafe from around a cleat.


--
Jonathan Ganz (j gan z @ $ail no w.c=o=m)
http://www.sailnow.com
"If there's no wind, row."

In article , gonefishiing wrote:
yes it around the winch
chafe happens when lines move back and forth
not enough from an even sliding that anything discernible should be
discussed

Well, seems to me that if there's any significan easing of the sheet,
there would be significant friction on the line... on a relatively
rough surface also. I try not to treat my lines to that. You must sail
in pretty light wind conditions most of the time.



--
Jonathan Ganz (j gan z @ $ail no w.c=o=m)
http://www.sailnow.com
"If there's no wind, row."

Best thing for a jib sheet is a jam cleat. Holds tight but is easy to release
in an emergency.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"Trains are a winter sport"

"Jonathan Ganz" wrote in message
...
In article , gonefishiing
wrote:
yes it around the winch
chafe happens when lines move back and forth
not enough from an even sliding that anything discernible should be
discussed

Well, seems to me that if there's any significan easing of the sheet,
there would be significant friction on the line... on a relatively
rough surface also. I try not to treat my lines to that. You must sail
in pretty light wind conditions most of the time.



--
Jonathan Ganz (j gan z @ $ail no w.c=o=m)
http://www.sailnow.com
"If there's no wind, row."

Unless the original poster misspoke, he called it a "cam cleat", shouldn't
have any friction easing as the sheet has to be popped out of the cleat
before it can run. It will only pull through the cleat in one direction.
What I don't understand is why it was so difficult to release the jibsheet
from the cleat, they are designed so that upward pressure on the sheet(and
not a lot) should pop the sheet out of the cleat.
Based on what was originally posted I could only suggest taking a look at
how the sheets and cleats are routed, then make any necessary changes.
John Cairns

In article ,
SAIL LOCO wrote:
Best thing for a jib sheet is a jam cleat. Holds tight but is easy to release
in an emergency.

That's what I have on my boat. The jam cleat is on a bracket
underneath the winch... extends about three inches away from it. I
only need one turn on the winch most of the time.
--
Jonathan Ganz (j gan z @ $ail no w.c=o=m)
http://www.sailnow.com
"If there's no wind, row."

In article ,
John Cairns wrote:
Unless the original poster misspoke, he called it a "cam cleat", shouldn't
have any friction easing as the sheet has to be popped out of the cleat
before it can run. It will only pull through the cleat in one direction.
What I don't understand is why it was so difficult to release the jibsheet
from the cleat, they are designed so that upward pressure on the sheet(and
not a lot) should pop the sheet out of the cleat.
Based on what was originally posted I could only suggest taking a look at
how the sheets and cleats are routed, then make any necessary changes.

I don't believe he said cam cleat... just cleat.. which means horn
cleat to me. That's why I mentioned it.



--
Jonathan Ganz (j gan z @ $ail no w.c=o=m)
http://www.sailnow.com
"If there's no wind, row."

no
no
no

a cleat is a smooth surface
just look at one
it is delibrately smooth

i sail in light and heavy wind
i don't motor off, or on to my mooring
or the dock for that matter.

now desert is calling as is the train schedule as katie just announced
rather "proudly"
in other words *DAD*

yep you too
have a good weekend.
hell its been a long enough week
the gibons plugged in
the acoustic is tuned
a good ole southern he ha is in order
bye bye

gf.


"Jonathan Ganz" wrote in message
...
In article , gonefishiing
wrote:
yes it around the winch
chafe happens when lines move back and forth
not enough from an even sliding that anything discernible should be
discussed

Well, seems to me that if there's any significan easing of the sheet,
there would be significant friction on the line... on a relatively
rough surface also. I try not to treat my lines to that. You must sail
in pretty light wind conditions most of the time.



--
Jonathan Ganz (j gan z @ $ail no w.c=o=m)
http://www.sailnow.com
"If there's no wind, row."

Point up!

Seahag

"tom" wrote in message
om...
I hope no one minds a question from a lurker who drops by from time to
time.

The subject of experiencing a knockdown was recently raised and I'd
like to further extend the subject by asking what can/should one do
when knocked down?

I was recently on a 21 footer with my son-in-law at the till cruising
along fairly well with 25-30 knot winds when he noticed we were
heading into an area of additional wind. While alerting me, he
disengaged the mainsheet and when we rolled he let it fly. The roll
took us over nearly 90 degrees and we shipped water over the coaming 6
to 10 inches in depth. Realizing how little effect releasing the main
had had, he tried to uncleat the jib. This is where we found that
despite the angle of the sail to the wind, little or no wind was being
dumped and it was a difficult task, to say the least, to uncleat the
sheet. In our case, he tried three or four mighty tugs while on the
high side of the boat with no success, so he dropped down to the low
side in order to grasp the sheet close to the camcleat and after a
couple more mighty tugs it came loose and we righted.

Did he do the right thing? Or should something else have been done?

We remind that it was a 21 footer, with a centerboard.

Thanks.

Hey! You just getting up? Oh, Saturday already...Detailed Clementine
yesterday (Thursday), that back to black stuff really works on the flares,
thanks:^)


OzOne wrote:

"Seahag"
scribbled thusly:

Point up!

Seahag

Good girl Haggy!


Oz1...of the 3 twins.

I welcome you to crackerbox palace,We've been expecting you.

set and forget?
no

to clarify:
i am always attentive and there are times i cleat the jib off
usually not
in most days of up to 20n wind i don't need to
they stay where they are set.

to answer your question: when the wind freshens and the jib needs to be
sheeted in
well ****.......i sheet it in

boats coming out in 2 weeks
i'll probably end up taking one last hard sail on her before then.
thanks for the interest

gf


OzOne wrote in message ...
On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 20:37:09 -0400, "gonefishiing"
scribbled thusly:

on my boat, i don't cleat the jib
i take enough turns around the cleat to allow it to friction slide based
on
wind conditions
if the wind picks up the jib "automatically" releases

A set and forget jib......wonderful.
What do you do when the wind freshens and the jib needs sheeting in?




Oz1...of the 3 twins.

I welcome you to crackerbox palace,We've been expecting you.

Yeah, well, try using your shift key...gawd that"s lazy...nwxt thang you
knew we'll start playing slop on the boat yard dart board...

seahak

"gonefishiing" wrote in message
...
set and forget?
no

to clarify:
i am always attentive and there are times i cleat the jib off
usually not
in most days of up to 20n wind i don't need to
they stay where they are set.

to answer your question: when the wind freshens and the jib needs to be
sheeted in
well ****.......i sheet it in

boats coming out in 2 weeks
i'll probably end up taking one last hard sail on her before then.
thanks for the interest

gf


OzOne wrote in message
...
On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 20:37:09 -0400, "gonefishiing"
scribbled thusly:

on my boat, i don't cleat the jib
i take enough turns around the cleat to allow it to friction slide based
on
wind conditions
if the wind picks up the jib "automatically" releases

A set and forget jib......wonderful.
What do you do when the wind freshens and the jib needs sheeting in?




Oz1...of the 3 twins.

I welcome you to crackerbox palace,We've been expecting you.

shift key?
i thought u refering to dA car.

keyboard?
oh that....... i'm liberal

cept fo the dart board
it got a fo-to of master K (notice the shift) erry in da centa.
soome good fun had by all.
g
gf

"Seahag" wrote in message
...
Yeah, well, try using your shift key...gawd that"s lazy...nwxt thang you
knew we'll start playing slop on the boat yard dart board...

seahak

"gonefishiing" wrote in message
...
set and forget?
no

to clarify:
i am always attentive and there are times i cleat the jib off
usually not
in most days of up to 20n wind i don't need to
they stay where they are set.

to answer your question: when the wind freshens and the jib needs to be
sheeted in
well ****.......i sheet it in

boats coming out in 2 weeks
i'll probably end up taking one last hard sail on her before then.
thanks for the interest

gf


OzOne wrote in message
...
On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 20:37:09 -0400, "gonefishiing"
scribbled thusly:

on my boat, i don't cleat the jib
i take enough turns around the cleat to allow it to friction slide based
on
wind conditions
if the wind picks up the jib "automatically" releases

A set and forget jib......wonderful.
What do you do when the wind freshens and the jib needs sheeting in?




Oz1...of the 3 twins.

I welcome you to crackerbox palace,We've been expecting you.

I dunno..drive a truk..gotta turn off Prisoner and go to sleep

Seahag
g'nite

"gonefishiing" wrote in message
...
shift key?
i thought u refering to dA car.

keyboard?
oh that....... i'm liberal

cept fo the dart board
it got a fo-to of master K (notice the shift) erry in da centa.
soome good fun had by all.
g
gf

"Seahag" wrote in message
...
Yeah, well, try using your shift key...gawd that"s lazy...nwxt thang you
knew we'll start playing slop on the boat yard dart board...

seahak

"gonefishiing" wrote in message
...
set and forget?
no

to clarify:
i am always attentive and there are times i cleat the jib off
usually not
in most days of up to 20n wind i don't need to
they stay where they are set.

to answer your question: when the wind freshens and the jib needs to be
sheeted in
well ****.......i sheet it in

boats coming out in 2 weeks
i'll probably end up taking one last hard sail on her before then.
thanks for the interest

gf


OzOne wrote in message
...
On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 20:37:09 -0400, "gonefishiing"
scribbled thusly:

on my boat, i don't cleat the jib
i take enough turns around the cleat to allow it to friction slide
based
on
wind conditions
if the wind picks up the jib "automatically" releases

A set and forget jib......wonderful.
What do you do when the wind freshens and the jib needs sheeting in?




Oz1...of the 3 twins.

I welcome you to crackerbox palace,We've been expecting you.

10-4
nite
gf.

"Seahag" wrote in message
...
I dunno..drive a truk..gotta turn off Prisoner and go to sleep

Seahag
g'nite

"gonefishiing" wrote in message
...
shift key?
i thought u refering to dA car.

keyboard?
oh that....... i'm liberal

cept fo the dart board
it got a fo-to of master K (notice the shift) erry in da centa.
soome good fun had by all.
g
gf

"Seahag" wrote in message
...
Yeah, well, try using your shift key...gawd that"s lazy...nwxt thang you
knew we'll start playing slop on the boat yard dart board...

seahak

"gonefishiing" wrote in message
...
set and forget?
no

to clarify:
i am always attentive and there are times i cleat the jib off
usually not
in most days of up to 20n wind i don't need to
they stay where they are set.

to answer your question: when the wind freshens and the jib needs to be
sheeted in
well ****.......i sheet it in

boats coming out in 2 weeks
i'll probably end up taking one last hard sail on her before then.
thanks for the interest

gf


OzOne wrote in message
...
On Fri, 29 Oct 2004 20:37:09 -0400, "gonefishiing"
scribbled thusly:

on my boat, i don't cleat the jib
i take enough turns around the cleat to allow it to friction slide
based
on
wind conditions
if the wind picks up the jib "automatically" releases

A set and forget jib......wonderful.
What do you do when the wind freshens and the jib needs sheeting in?




Oz1...of the 3 twins.

I welcome you to crackerbox palace,We've been expecting you.

what stuff?
can you send some here?
gf

OzOne wrote in message ...

Yep
the stuff is good.

Jonathan Ganz wrote:

I don't believe he said cam cleat... just cleat.. which means horn
cleat to me. That's why I mentioned it.

Nope, the jibsheet being in a camcleat was specifically mentioned.


--
Wally
www.artbywally.com
www.wally.myby.co.uk

"Seahag" wrote ...

Look up!

For the helicopter?

"Scott Vernon" wrote:

"Seahag" wrote ...

Look up!

For the helicopter?

It can be a very welcome sight ya know:^)

Seahag

OzOne wrote:
"Seahag" scribbled thusly:

Hey! You just getting up? Oh, Saturday already...Detailed Clementine
yesterday (Thursday), that back to black stuff really works on the flares,
thanks:^)

Just getting up?
Not bloody likely.
Rowing season has started again 4.30am start to get on the water by
5.30.
No sailing this weekend, my son is in the middle of his final year
exams.
One more week and he's done.

Yep
the stuff is good.


You're rowing?

Seahag

Tom,

There are a lot of things I'm not sure of in your question? Are you
using self tailing winches? Is your main and traveler center boom or
end?

It sounds like he released the main from the Cabin top. If that was the
case, then you probably should have been easing INTO the wind enough to
keep the hull under you but still be making headway while he adjusted
the jib sheet.

The helm should start getting heavy (weather helm) as you heel. When
this happens it is time to start adjusting sail trim. You want some
weather helm (About 15 degrees)

The easiest and fastest way to release air is with the helm, into the
wind and then sail adjustments.

Ole Thom

"Seahag" wrote in message
...

"Scott Vernon" wrote:

"Seahag" wrote ...

Look up!

For the helicopter?

It can be a very welcome sight ya know:^)

I wouldn't know.

Ozzy wrote

Been rowing since I was a kid, and still haven't gotten any where.

tom wrote:

The knockdown was a first and a surprise for the both of us as
neither of us are anything but a "weekend sailor." We were sailing
as we usually sailed, with the jib sheet held by a cam* cleat.
There is no way in my estimation that one could physically hold
the sheet as there is considerable pull being exerted. Obviously,
if it was known or suspected that we were heading for a knockdown
the jib sheet would have been loosened, but such was not the case.
And once we were knocked down there was too much pressure on the
mechanism to quickly release the sheet. The boat does have winches
but we have never used them to restrain a jib sheet.

Sounds like you should be putting the jibsheet on a winch, then.

With 2 or 3 turns around the winch, there'll be enough friction to be able
to keep the sheet tight without cleating it, and still be able to ease it
instantly should a knockdown loom. If you get a gust and the crew has to
ease the jib, he just has to step over once the boat comes back up and turn
the winch to sheet in, rope already around the winch, minimal effort.


--
Wally
www.artbywally.com
www.wally.myby.co.uk

And, he might want to consider a smaller jib. Might give better balance.

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

"Wally" wrote in message
...
tom wrote:

The knockdown was a first and a surprise for the both of us as
neither of us are anything but a "weekend sailor." We were sailing
as we usually sailed, with the jib sheet held by a cam* cleat.
There is no way in my estimation that one could physically hold
the sheet as there is considerable pull being exerted. Obviously,
if it was known or suspected that we were heading for a knockdown
the jib sheet would have been loosened, but such was not the case.
And once we were knocked down there was too much pressure on the
mechanism to quickly release the sheet. The boat does have winches
but we have never used them to restrain a jib sheet.

Sounds like you should be putting the jibsheet on a winch, then.

With 2 or 3 turns around the winch, there'll be enough friction to be able
to keep the sheet tight without cleating it, and still be able to ease it
instantly should a knockdown loom. If you get a gust and the crew has to
ease the jib, he just has to step over once the boat comes back up and
turn
the winch to sheet in, rope already around the winch, minimal effort.


--
Wally
www.artbywally.com
www.wally.myby.co.uk

wrote in message
...
On 29 Oct 2004 17:57:12 -0700, (Jonathan Ganz)
wrote:

In article , gonefishiing
wrote:
yes it around the winch
chafe happens when lines move back and forth
not enough from an even sliding that anything discernible should be
discussed

Well, seems to me that if there's any significan easing of the sheet,
there would be significant friction on the line... on a relatively
rough surface also. I try not to treat my lines to that. You must sail
in pretty light wind conditions most of the time.

He's mostly a "hot air" sailor, like Tougboat.

Jealous of you? Bwahwhahahahaaaa!

You've got to be kidding "binary bill". BTW, have you ever posted a binary
in the last year and a half that I've been here? Or ever for that matter?

You've got to be a Bobspirt clone, nothing more or nothing less.

Post your binaries or STFU!

LP

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...

Ozzy wrote

Been rowing since I was a kid, and still haven't gotten any where.

Only one 'oar in the water?

Seahag

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...

"Seahag" wrote in message
...

"Scott Vernon" wrote:

"Seahag" wrote ...

Look up!

For the helicopter?

It can be a very welcome sight ya know:^)

I wouldn't know.

Yet.

More likely up a creek without a paddle....
"Seahag" wrote in message
...

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...

Ozzy wrote

Been rowing since I was a kid, and still haven't gotten any where.

Only one 'oar in the water?

Seahag

This from a guy pretending to be a dyke.

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

"Lady Pilot" wrote in message
news:WzZgd.39698$EZ.5798@okepread07...

wrote in message
...
On 29 Oct 2004 17:57:12 -0700, (Jonathan
Ganz)
wrote:

In article , gonefishiing
wrote:
yes it around the winch
chafe happens when lines move back and forth
not enough from an even sliding that anything discernible should be
discussed

Well, seems to me that if there's any significan easing of the sheet,
there would be significant friction on the line... on a relatively
rough surface also. I try not to treat my lines to that. You must sail
in pretty light wind conditions most of the time.

He's mostly a "hot air" sailor, like Tougboat.

Jealous of you? Bwahwhahahahaaaa!

You've got to be kidding "binary bill". BTW, have you ever posted a
binary in the last year and a half that I've been here? Or ever for that
matter?

You've got to be a Bobspirt clone, nothing more or nothing less.

Post your binaries or STFU!

LP

"Seahag" wrote

Look up!

For the helicopter?

It can be a very welcome sight ya know:^)

I wouldn't know.

Yet.


You mean there's still hope?

Ozone wrote

scull...empty
sweep 1 oar.

"Scott Vernon" wrote:
"Seahag" wrote

Look up!

For the helicopter?

It can be a very welcome sight ya know:^)

I wouldn't know.

Yet.

You mean there's still hope?

It's probably too late for you!

"Wally" wrote in message ...
tom wrote:

The knockdown was a first and a surprise for the both of us as
neither of us are anything but a "weekend sailor." We were sailing
as we usually sailed, with the jib sheet held by a cam* cleat.
There is no way in my estimation that one could physically hold
the sheet as there is considerable pull being exerted. Obviously,
if it was known or suspected that we were heading for a knockdown
the jib sheet would have been loosened, but such was not the case.
And once we were knocked down there was too much pressure on the
mechanism to quickly release the sheet. The boat does have winches
but we have never used them to restrain a jib sheet.

Sounds like you should be putting the jibsheet on a winch, then.

With 2 or 3 turns around the winch, there'll be enough friction to be able
to keep the sheet tight without cleating it, and still be able to ease it
instantly should a knockdown loom. If you get a gust and the crew has to
ease the jib, he just has to step over once the boat comes back up and turn
the winch to sheet in, rope already around the winch, minimal effort.


I don't mean to flog a dead horse, so I'll close this with a thank
you, but
I was looking for action/s which would either prevent a knockdown at
the time circumstances are causing such; or if knocked down: action/s
which can limit the severity of the knockdown. Obviously, there are a
number of things we could have done to prevent a knockdown, such as
reefing the main more and furling the jib before we went out on the
water; however, that's hindsight. Prior to the knockdown we both were
of the opinion that releasing/easing the main and jib sheets was
sufficient action to largely control heeling. We are probably right in
our assumption; however, such is qualified by the fact that it seems
almost impossible to uncleat the jib sheet from the high side when a
knockdown occurs, and it still isn't easy when one grasps the sheet
mere inches from the cleating mechanism.

Once again, thanks to all who offered an opinion.

Back to intermittent lurk status