boom main sheeting

Originally posted by Bobbins Someone explain whats so good about having the mainsheet coming straight off the boom (via blocks etc)?

Some more points...

• Mainsheet load helps out tired legs/stomach muscles hiking.


• Because you can't jam the mainsheet you don't jam the mainsheet so you play it properly which is far faster than leaving it jammed.


• Less blocks - less friction. OK its an extreme case bit on my Cherub the mainsheet goes through two blocks, one on the end of the boom and the ratchet in the middle. So free running, so much less effort.

Getting rid of the strop or strut gives a lot more room in the boat and makes it easier to move forward or the crew to move back.  The down side it twin tillers.

On the 49er you are always playing the main. When trapezing low the mainsheet would rub against the wing if it came from the deck, by coming off the boom it keeps less friction in the system and makes it easier to move across the boat. The general trend is for twin tillers and sheeting off the boom, for better performance.