SmallCraftAdvisor.com

Hi all,

I've been sailing my 1981 Edel 665 solo the past few weeks while we've been enjoying summer up here on Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada.

Here's the thing -- when I'm returning to port, I put myself in irons to take down the sails and engine into the harbour. My 130% Genoa comes down in a good pile, but with some big winds last week, it made a rather large mess and wanted to go over the side.

While in under 15 knots, this really isn't a problem. As it creeps up, the sail wants to jump and billow over the side. Jumping to the front to collect the sail isn't a major problem, but when the waves are 3 or more feet, it begins to get a little "hairy" on the deck.

Any one have this problem or a solution? I'm thinking of a line from the head to the clew of the genoa that might be able to draw down the sail the final few feet.

The line would then be pulled into the cockpit during sailing. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Greg Chaban
Meaford, Ontario.

I made such a downhaul for my jib. A small block at the base of the front stay and an other at the base of a shroud. The line if fixed at the head of the sail. It is very easy and convenient to pull the sail down and this way, you only have to go front when you decide to and the conditions are right.