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<\/a><\/p>\nHere is a big negative.\u00a0 In the past month we have needed to\u00a0replace several\u00a0clear plastic dodger window panels!\u00a0 The cause is simple.\u00a0 Not controlling jib sheets during tacking, crew overboard practice, reefing, and furling operations.\u00a0 High winds and luffing jibs cause sheets to flail wildly.\u00a0 When this happens,\u00a0bad things result.\u00a0 I personally have seen a broken nose, black eyes, split lips, lost eye glasses, and a number of broken dodger windows.\u00a0 Here’s how to avoid all of these problems.<\/p>\n
*Note from Matt: Don’t forget the missing dorade covers that disappear off the decks for the same reason! It’s also been the cause of bent\/broken deck hatches in the past – the lazy sheet can get caught under the lip of a hatch and ends up getting lifted with all of the force of the wind in the jib on the next tack.<\/em><\/p>\n While tacking, take the jib sheet out of the winch cleat, but do not release the wraps\u00a0immediately.\u00a0 Start the tack and wait until the jib begins to back-wind slightly\u00a0before releasing it.\u00a0 Trim immediately on the opposite side and the sheet will not have a chance to flail.<\/p>\n When reefing or furling in high winds, DO NOT try to furl while on a close haul or close reach.\u00a0 Instead, bear away to a deep broad reach.\u00a0 Ease the main and allow it to blanket the jib.\u00a0 The process of rolling the jib up will now be easier and won’t involve any flailing sheets.<\/p>\n *Note from Matt: This should be S.O.P.! Practice it every time you furl a sail. You know that point on a run when you are steering down wind and it’s hard to keep the jib full of wind because you turned downwind just a little too far? That’s the main blocking the wind – and it’s the perfect time to furl the jib. There’s almost no wind in it, it’s not flogging, it should roll up easily and neatly with minimal effort!<\/em><\/p>\n If you are doing crew overboard practice, furl the jib first (while on a broad reach,) and practice on main alone.\u00a0 No flailing jib sheets!<\/p>\n As an added benefit, luffing jibs and flailing sheets are very noisy.\u00a0 Loud noises on a sailboat result in uncomfortable and\/or fearful crew.\u00a0 Control those sheets and your crew is going to have a much better time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summer is here!\u00a0 Our typical summer wind patterns are filling in, with their associated positive and negative sides.\u00a0 To the positive, the sailing has been phenomenal!\u00a0 If you haven’t gotten out on the water, GO! Here is a big negative.\u00a0 … Continue reading