Simple mainsheet rig

   Hard to find current rules for the Heron, but there have been a huge number of changes since I race mine as a youngster (1965-68) including a large genoa, bermudan rig, spinnaker, FRP construction, and I found just one pic where I could see what the mainsheet arrangement was on a modern Heron. A short bridle attached to the two transom eyes (have they not allowed a change to the fixings?) with a block in the centre, a becket block on the boom and the sheet led to a block at the centre of the boom, leading straight to the helms hand skiff style.
The Aussies seem keen on the Heron too but are equally reticent about letting non CA members have access to the rules. They seem to favour a more trad fit out though and still seem to retain the dodgy mainsheet arrangement and gunter rig.

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Sam.Spoons Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3400	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sam.Spoons Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Simple mainsheet rig Posted: 03 Jul 20 at 6:35pm
	Hard to find current rules for the Heron, but there have been a huge number of changes since I race mine as a youngster (1965-68) including a large genoa, bermudan rig, spinnaker, FRP construction, and I found just one pic where I could see what the mainsheet arrangement was on a modern Heron. A short bridle attached to the two transom eyes (have they not allowed a change to the fixings?) with a block in the centre, a becket block on the boom and the sheet led to a block at the centre of the boom, leading straight to the helms hand skiff style. The Aussies seem keen on the Heron too but are equally reticent about letting non CA members have access to the rules. They seem to favour a more trad fit out though and still seem to retain the dodgy mainsheet arrangement and gunter rig.
	Spice 346 "Flat Broke" Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish"

Rupert Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 11 Aug 04 Location: Whitefriars sc Online Status: Offline Posts: 8956	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rupert Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Jul 20 at 2:24pm
	Unless the gap between boom and transom is very small, Firefly style, then putting a bridle on is really the only way to control things. It can be set up very simply and only involves one more fitting on the hull. The bottom block is tied centrally to the bridle, which is most easily done before tying the bridle ends to the boat.
	Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

JimC Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 17 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 6661	Post Options Post Reply Quote JimC Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Jul 20 at 12:26pm
	I fear you've listed the reasons why that cheap and simple mainsheet setup is commonly replaced by a bridle...

Sapspec8650 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 15 Jul 19 Online Status: Offline Posts: 15	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sapspec8650 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Jul 20 at 11:59am
	I sail a little Heron (return to youth) & I wondered if there was anyone out there who could help me with some science on the mainsheet routing I have recently adopted. That is: a return to the original concept (or the Oz rig). Two bullseye spaced 2ft apart on the transom, The sheet anchored on one & routed through a 57mm bb block on the boom end, then to another 57mm tie-on block on the other bullseye - I would be interested if anyone can offer some advice on how to centralise the boom when beating without oversheeting & stalling the main? I usually sail upwind with a loose kicker & tight in with the mainsheet --- but is there a happy medium with this rig? Thanks for looking!