An update on my recently installed mainsail downhaul line...
Earlier this week, my wife and I cruised across the bay on a delightfully
sunny day in 8-10 knot SW winds and one-foot waves to Cape Charles, VA,
where we spent a pleasant afternoon and night at the new Bay Creek Marina
(which I highly recommend, even if it's a bit pricey). The trip afforded us
our first chance to try out a new downhaul line and a new bimini, and I'm
pleased to report that both have improved the quality of life aboard
immeasurably.
I attached about 35 feet of 1/4-inch line to the third car/slide from the
top and passed it through a block attached to the foot of the mast, and on
into the cockpit. The first time we raised the sail, I was not careful to
watch the down-haul line pass through the block and the line tangled,
requiring my wife (she's a good first mate!) to go forward to un-snag the
line. On subsequent occasions, the helmsman (me) let the line pass through
his hands to avoid tangles as the sail was raised, and the sail went up
without incident. But on every occasion, it performed its real purpose
(downhauling the sail) perfectly. The sail came down smoothly every time
and fell uniformly into the lazy jacks. What a pleasure to not have to go
to the mast to bring down the main!
On the return trip especially, the bimini proved its worth in the
90-plus-degree sun. We enjoyed a brisk sail (SW winds 8-10 kts, 2-foot
waves) back across the bay to the mouth of the York, enjoying the breeze
and escaping the broiling sun, and from there motored on back to our marina
in north Hampton.
Getting closer to the day when we never have to leave the cockpit while
underway...
Jeff Sheler
s/v Windsome
C27TR #6594
Hampton, VA
