[Public-List] Lazy Jacks

[David Tessier]

 I like the challenge of short handed sailing under sail.  We have two-legged Lazy Jacks and I use them as follows: - Lazy Jacks, mainsail halyard (wire), topping lift, reefing lines (3) all operated at the mast and NOT lead to the cockpit- Lazy Jacks ONLY deployed when it is time to drop the mainsail (at end of sailing session or in preparation for an approaching squall) while hove to (when solo or inexperienced crew) or under way (with crew), or in an anchorage at my leisure after the mainsail (and the A30's tendency to sail from one side to another) has served to set the hook.  Lazy Jacks stowed as soon as mainsail is tidied/tied up.- Lazy Jacks stowed at the mast at all other times, e.g., when raising the mainsail, sailing or when reefing fully battened mainsail- Lazy Jacks not used in case of need to drop mainsail very quickly in case of an unanticipated mpending squall. PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS:I plan to swap the terminating/cleating locations on the boom so that the cleats will be closer to the mast, instead of above the bridge deck.  This will facilitate retracting the Lazy Jacks in a blow on a lumpy sea, by enabling me to remain close to the mast.  Otherwise I am full satisfied with our present arrangement. Over the last four years, I have greatly enjoyed gaining the skill to leave the helm unattended under a range of wind (0 - 25 kts),  sea (0 - 2.5 metre) and sea room (0.2 - 25 NM) conditions, working unhurriedly at the mast or with ground tackle on the foredeck or with a camera on the pulpit.  We have no mast steps and I have not yet inch-wormed my way up our spinnaker halyard whilst under way, but this is on the list... DavidTROIS BOULEAUXAlberg 30 #319  		 	   		  
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