![]() ![]() There are large sail lofts in most major coastal cities, but there are also small sail lofts scattered everywhere. How-to books like The Sailmaker’s Apprentice by Emiliano Marino or The Rigger’s Apprentice by Brion Toss are invaluable resources to have on board. Assemble a repair kit containing sticky Dacron fabric, a few needles, waxed hand-sewing thread and a palm, an extra stainless-steel ring, scissors, a lighter, extra webbing, and an extra mainsail slide or two that fit your mainsail track. If you have a way to jury rig a repair on your sail, you are more likely to stay out longer and enjoy your cruise knowing you can fix minor problems. TIE HEADSAIL CLEW TO ROLLER FURLING HOW TOSecond, stock up on repair materials and know how to use them. ![]() Become efficient it is easier to do something in rough weather if you have already practiced in calm weather. Make up scenarios and talk them over with your crew. Make sure sharp edges on the boat, such as the end of your spreaders, are leathered to protect the sails. The places that take the most load are the weakest areas-pay special attention to them. If you see anything suspicious, investigate further. Look for spots of chafe, especially along the luff of your sail, and familiarize yourself with the three corners: the head, tack, and clew. Yes, that means dropping down your roller furling genoa and looking it over. How old are they? What kind of wear and tear do they have? Your crew reminds you to get the storm staysail handy.įirst, know your sails. You tuck a second reef into your main to help balance the helm. A weeklong winter cruise to the San Juans can be breezy, and you tucked in your first reef hours ago.ĭropping the hanked-on staysail, you roughly flake the mass and tuck the hardware from the head, tack, and clew into the middle of the sailcloth so they don’t smack you as you carry it down below. You have brought a light sail repair kit with a few extra supplies. This is the oldest sail of your suit, and that knowledge has made you more prepared than you might otherwise have been on this trip. Your task now is to stabilize the situation before it worsens.Ĭrouching just aft of the mast, you see a large tear, maybe two feet, in the trailing edge of your staysail, near the foot. Your crewmate below can hear the sail flogging and she pops her head up out of the hatch: “Need a hand?” While she takes the helm, you scramble forward to assess the damage. But that long ripping sound was not a good sign. Standing at the helm, getting a good look forward is tricky through rigging, mast, and mainsail. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |