Beginner questions: Dropping Sails When Solo Sailing

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Dropping Sails When Solo Sailing

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Beginner questions
Forum Discription: Advice for those who are new to sailing
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9737
Printed Date: 12 Aug 25 at 5:58pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Dropping Sails When Solo Sailing

Posted By: Sail NOLA
Subject: Dropping Sails When Solo Sailing
Date Posted: 16 Aug 12 at 4:54pm

I solo sail a 22 ft Chrysler monohaul and have a question about dropping my sails at the end of a sail. I typically head into irons, leave the tiller unattended, sheet in the main sail, and go onto the foredeck to first drop and tie down the genoa. Invariably and especially in high winds the main begins to fill and force me into a close to beam reach. I was hit with a 21 kn gust, lost my grip on the genoa, and almost capsized. I was lucky enough to get to the cockpit and release the main sheet. Seems obvious now, but should I always just release the main sheet before going on the foredeck to drop the genoa? Or is it more dangerous to have the boom free and unattended?

Replies:

Posted By: gordon1277
Date Posted: 16 Aug 12 at 5:08pm

I would advise letting both sails free before letting go of the tiller, can you arrange elastic to hold the tiller amidships? then go forward to drop and if need be pull the boom by hand to send the boat back into irons.
It may cost money but it would be a lot safer if you could release the halyards from the cockpit.
Good luck
Gordon

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Gordon
Lossc

Posted By: Sail NOLA
Date Posted: 21 Aug 12 at 3:47pm

Thanks Gordon. Had a similar experience this week but used your advice and released the main sheet before dropping the genoa. Worked like a charm.

Frank

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 21 Aug 12 at 4:51pm

Do you have a topping lift? Hardly a bit of racing equipment, but if you heave the boom a few feet in the air it will both be out of the way and take a lot of filling.