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SAILS AND RIGGING
The furling mainsail is the main driver under sail in this sloop rig sail plan. It is this feature that allows for
great sailing in light air. This sail plan however requires early reefing in stronger winds. 15 knots would not
be too early for the first reef. This rig has swept back spreaders and a double backstay. This allows free
access to the swim platform. It also means that dead downwind sailing places the sail on the spreaders. A
broad reach, with close attention to keeping the sail off the spreaders, is recommended. As there is no
“preventer,” take care with jibing – for your sake, and for the protection of the gear.
The jib is on a roller furler as well. The furling line is led aft to the cockpit. To unfurl the headsail, (a)
uncleat the furling line, (b) wrap the sheet around the appropriate winch, (c) pull the sheet aft while
maintaining light tension on the furling line, (d) cleat when desired position has been achieved.
To furl the jib, apply slight tension on the jib sheet while pulling on the furling line until it is fully furled.
Place three or so wraps of the jib sheets to hold the sail.
Jib sheets are led to the cockpit to the winches. Use the jib sheet cleats as little as possible as they tend to
fray the lines. Adjust fairleads forward in heavy wind, aft in light wind. The main and Jib are both reefable
by furling. Jib sheets, mainsheet, halyards, and traveler are all operated from the cockpit. There is a rigid
boom vang. There is no whisker pole, and no spinnaker.
Electric Winches
RocknRoll is equipped with 4 electric winches. These are controlled by the switches at the base of each
winch. The inboard switch is low speed and the outboard switch is high speed. In the event of power loss,
these winches can be turned in a conventional manner with a winch handle (located in Nav Table)
Troubleshooting Sails and Rigging
Important points to remember before setting sail
The Main Sail must always be rolled with the boom slightly to the starboard side of the luff extrusion. Turn the
reefing winch clockwise!
The leech should always be kept snug when reefing or furling. Use the topping lift for the main!
Never leave the handle in the reefing winch – it will rotate very fast when unfurling the sail.
Lock the reefing winch at the mast when reefing in heavy weather.
Lock the Reefing winch when you leave the boat.
