Before raising the main hook up the jib tack, jib sheets and get the jib head out
ready for the halyard. If it is windy we will raise the sails as quickly as possible
and get away from the dock to prevent excessive luffing. To raise the main have
one person feed the luff in as the other pulls the halyard. Make sure the head-
board clears the backstays and don’t go too fast because it is possible for the
sail cloth to also get caught in the upper backstay. After the main is up make sure
to feed the lower part of the luff rope, at the tack, into the mast groove. With the
jib one person should zip while the other pulls the halyard.
We are careful when dropping the main to stack it on one side, then fold it at the
first batten and start rolling. This is good for the sail in two ways. One, it
eliminates some folding wrinkles and the old wrinkles usually are less prominent
the next day. With the stiff cloth it’s hard not to get knots in the cloth and when
pulled out can actually cause small fractures in the cloth. I’ve never known these
fractures to turn into rips or to affect the sail shape but it’s better to avoid them if
possible.
When lowering the jib, make sure to keep some tension on the halyard when
unzipping the luff. This will prevent the zipper car from getting caught and
possibly taking teeth out of the zipper. I usually try to lower and unzip the jib
before reaching the dock if I come in on a dead run. This will prevent the jib from
luffing at the dock before it can be lowered.
B) Folding and Storage
The ideal way to store the sails is by rolling them up. This is no problem with the
jib but can be difficult with the main. Some people have a large pipe mounted on
their trailer and the new boat box have longer boxes to hold the mainsail rolled
up. I usually fold my main between regattas but I do roll it and keep it on the
boom during regattas. I leave my battens in but make sure to roll the sail in line
with the battens so they aren’t bent in the sail.
When folding the main, it’s usually easiest to do it on the deck. When lowering
the sail keep it on one side of the boat. I usually then put the head in the cockpit
on the other side of the boat then stack the rest on top until I get to the foot. Pull
the foot off the boom then fold on the clear side of the deck making sure not to
fold the windows. I don’t try to use the same fold every time. Many small
wrinkles are probably better than a few big ones. While folding check for any
tears or worn areas. Areas to check are around the middle of the foot where the
runners hit and the batten pockets. If you are getting any rips in the foot you
probably need to tape up the runner shackles and pins. When you’re done
flaking the sail then fold again from the luff so the clew is on the outside and it’s
ready to go on the boom the next time.
18
Summary of Contents for STAR 2003
Page 1: ...STAR TUNING GUIDE 2003 Quantum San Diego...
Page 23: ...20 Notes...
