Dinghy development: Rigging a 49er for idiots

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Rigging a 49er for idiots

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12553
Printed Date: 07 Jul 25 at 6:33am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Rigging a 49er for idiots

Posted By: dohertpk
Subject: Rigging a 49er for idiots
Date Posted: 20 Oct 16 at 11:16pm

Hi all,

I've managed to blag my way on to a 49er this weekend. I'm reasonably confident I can make a decent fist of sailing it (F2 forecast for Saturday) but I have no idea how to rig it. The mast has been stepped, wings attached etc. but the downhaul, rig tension, vang stuff is alien to me. Could someone post a brief idiots guide to getting her on the water? I need help with the following:

1) Is there some rig tension yoke on the forestay I need to worry about? Can I not just lash the jib up and be done with it?

2) What's that vang thing and how do I work it?

3 The downhaul seems a bit like that on a Musto. Does it just hook on the bottom of the sail?

4) Any other tips to work around usual sticking points would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Replies:

Posted By: MartinG
Date Posted: 21 Oct 16 at 11:13am

1. Rig Tension - there is usually a fancy tube affair with blocks that fits onto the forestay. You attach this to the forward hole on the bow fitting and pull until you can pin the forestay to the middle hole. The alternative is a purchase that you clip to thapeze lines to achieve the same end. The jib then fits to the aft hole of three.
2. The vang lever control line needs to be slackened right off, and once the sail is up the square tubes are flipped forward with the lever between them, and the bolt between them fits into the slot on the lever. It may help to pull the boom down with the mainsheet.
3. The downhaul does jut hook into the bottom of the sail. Often best to hook it in, then pull the halyard right up. Then zip up the bottom of the sail.
4. Once the boat is rigged, don't let go of it - it will blow over at the slightest provocation.

Enjoy it

Martin

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49er 865
K6 159
RS800 1133 (sold)