OPERATION MANUAL
Mahe 36 - Skedaddle
Page 19 – Sails
Sails
Skedaddle has a roller furling headsail and a slab reef mainsail.
Always head into the wind when raising or lowering the mainsail.
Headsail
When furling the headsail head off the wind to stop the sail from flogging on the
rigging. Release furling line at cockpit. Pull sheet rope to unfurl sail.
Lock off furling rope if you want to reduce sail.
To furl sail away
- release tension on sheet rope and pull the smaller furling rope.
Lock off cleat when sail is fully rolled in.
Never use a winch on furling lines as damage to the forestay may result.
Never release tension on mast headsail halyard which is secured with plastic ties.
This is only released when removing the sail for maintenance.
Close hatches when sailing to avoid damage if a rope catches on hatch.
Mainsail
Skedaddle's mainsail should be reduced to the first reef point when winds reach a
constant 15 knots on the wind instrument and to the second reef point at 20 knots.
Do not use the mainsail if the winds exceed 30 knots. In heavy weather conditions it
is best to motor or motor/sail with a minimum amount of headsail.
To Raise the Mainsail
1.
Unclip the mainsail cover completely.
2.
Move vessel slowly straight into the wind by using the motor.
3.
Release the mainsail sheet rope in the cockpit.
4.
Release the halyard tie back on the boom.
5.
Raise the mainsail by pulling the mainsail halyard by hand. If using the winch make
sure the sail does not jam in the track or on sail bag support ropes.
To Reef the Mainsail
1.
Skedaddle has two reefs which both operate on a single line reefing system and
hooks.
2.
Lower the halyard until the loops on the front edge of the sail can be hooked onto
the hooks where the boom meets the mast.
3.
Pull the appropriate reefing line until the connection points at the back of the sail
are just below the top of the sail cover.
4.
Hoist the sail and tension the halyard in the usual way.
To Lower the Mainsail
1.
Steer vessel into the wind and release mainsheet. Release the halyard to drop
mainsail. Most of the mainsail should fall into the lazy jacks and the rest can be
pushed in by hand. Using the motor will assist you in steering into the wind.
2.
Pull the halyard away from the mast using the tie back.
3.
Clip up the mainsail cover.
