[Public-List] Downhaul for headsail

[crufone at comcast.net]

Mike, 

On my Typhoon I use one block attached to the same shackle which fastens the tack of the sail to the stem fitting and one additional block fastened to a deck strap which is just inside and aft of the aft port chain plate.  The line is made fast to a small cleat just inside the port combing close to the aft cabin bulkhead. I leave the downhaul on the boat fastened to the stem fitting when the sail is removed. When I hank on the sail I fasten the downhaul with a bowline thru the thimble of the wire in the luff of the headsail at the head and then just place the downhaul line along with the forestay inside each hank fitting. The tack block is positioned on the port side of the headsail cringle inside of the shackle so that the downhaul can be lead to the block and inside of the shackle so that it goes up the forestay very parallel to the stay.I just use an 1/8" braided nylon line. I have never had any issues with the downhaul jamming up or twisting the hanks. As I sail down the canal to home I flake the main and then can lower the jib quickly with the downhaul and coast up to the dock. 

This is the beauty and fun of a smaller boat. But the same can be rigged for the A-30 with the same results and is especially useful when sailing shorthanded. If you were trying to lower a 160 Genoa on an Alberg 30 you might want to use 3/16" line for the downhaul. I also regulate the lowering of the sail by controlling the release of the halyard as I take in the downhaul. All lines are long enough so this can be accomplished while steering the boat with the tiller between your legs..........trying this with wheel steering would not be nearly as much fun. As Gord mentioned if you trim the sheet at the same time the sail ends up on the foredeck, not in the drink! 

Michael #133 and #161 Typhoon 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael J. Meinhold" <MICHAEL.J.MEINHOLD at saic.com> 
To: "Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all" <public-list at lists.alberg30.org>, "Public List Alberg" <public-list at alberg30.org> 
Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2010 11:10:06 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [Public-List] Downhaul for headsail 

How many blocks are used to lead the line aft, and and where are they attached? 

Mike #272 

-----Original Message----- 
From: public-list-bounces at lists.alberg30.org [mailto:public-list-bounces at lists.alberg30.org] On Behalf Of crufone at comcast.net 
Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2010 10:46 AM 
To: Alberg, Public List 
Subject: [Public-List] Downhaul for headsail 



Gord wrote, 

I do the same and find it indispensable for singlehanding or in rough 
weather.  I tie the line to the top hank to avoid jamming it when 
hauling down. (Learned this trick from Phil Beigel.)  With the downhaul 
and sheet cleated tight, the sail won't go overboard or climb back up 
the forestay. 

The only problem I've had with this is when I try to raise the genoa 
having forgotten to release the downhaul. :-) 



Gord, 

Explain why it is an advantage to fasten the downhaul to the upper hank instead of the thimble or grommet at the head of the sail?  I have tried this with the small headsail on a Typhoon and haven't had any problems with the 1/8" downhaul line jamming. I have noticed as you have that raising the sail is much easier when the downhaul is released!! 

Michael 

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