![\"CleatHitchCorrect\"](\"https:\/\/tradewindssailing.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CleatHitchCorrect.jpg\")
<\/a>Correct Lead<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>Incorrect Lead – The Dock Line May Jam!<\/p><\/div>\n
A couple of weeks ago, while crewing for another skipper, I was assigned the task of releasing the bow line in preparation for\u00a0departure. \u00a0Unfortunately, the cleat hitch had been set up incorrectly. \u00a0Instead of leading the line to the shoulder of the cleat furthest from the origination of the line, the hitch was put on from the closest shoulder. \u00a0It was then wrapped all the way around the cleat before the “crossing” turns were put on. \u00a0 The net result was two lines trying to occupy the same limited space under the cleat and jamming against one another. \u00a0The line was jammed so badly the line needed to be cut to release it. \u00a0In this case, not a major difficulty, just an expensive dock line needing replacement. \u00a0What would the result have been if that line needed to be released in a hurry because of an emergency?<\/p>\n
About two in the morning, while on a broad reach in\u00a025-30 knots of wind, a jib sheet pulled itself out of the self tailing jaws, unwound itself from the winch and went flying, right through the jib track fair lead, stopper knot and all, and into a nasty tangle at the clew of the jib. \u00a0We were not able to untangle the mess at night on a pitching deck. \u00a0Fortunately, we were able to furl the jib and sail the rest of the way to Monterey on mainsail alone. \u00a0The crew member responsible learned a valuable lesson that day. \u00a0Two wraps on a winch are not enough on any boat bigger than 25 feet! \u00a0We were on a 43 foot boat with winches designed for four wraps. \u00a0Anything less was dangerous! \u00a0As I reflect on that incident, I realize how lucky we were. \u00a0The sheet went straight forward. \u00a0It could easily have whipped across the cockpit instead.<\/p>\n
Ever seen what happens if you let go of a steering wheel while going astern? \u00a0Broken steering cables, steering quadrants torn from their mounts, and rudder posts broken loose from the rudder are all possible results. \u00a0All problems that are major and easily prevented by keeping one hand on the wheel at all times.<\/p>\n
When I first started at Tradewinds I wondered why, and maybe was a bit irritated by how anal the instructors were about the little things that couldn’t possibly be that big of deal. \u00a0Now I understand. \u00a0Attention to detail on the little things can and does save lives and equipment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I am always amazed at\u00a0how often a small error committed on a sailboat results in major difficulties. A couple of weeks ago, while crewing for another skipper, I was assigned the task of releasing the bow line in preparation for\u00a0departure. … Continue reading <\/a>This one caught me by surprise. \u00a0Actually, it’s not one, it was three! \u00a0Three times in the past two weeks the shore power on a Tradewinds boat has been plugged in incorrectly. \u00a0Two of them the same day! \u00a0This picture captures the result of those two. \u00a0Apparently, instead of being plugged in properly, the plug was rotated one third of the way around and “forced” into the socket. \u00a0In each\u00a0case, the “Reverse Polarity” light was lit, indicating a problem, and in each\u00a0case it was either not seen or ignored. \u00a0Fortunately, the problem was found before the boats caught fire, however, as you can see, it wasn’t far from happening. \u00a0The right way begins with disconnecting properly. \u00a0Start by locating the boat’s Reverse Polarity light. \u00a0If there is one, it should be near the AC Main switch. \u00a0Turn off the boat’s AC Main switch. \u00a0Turn off the AC power at the dock box. \u00a0It is now safe to disconnect the shore power cord. \u00a0To connect to shore power reverse the above sequence. \u00a0Plug the shore power cord into the boat (and the shore power box if needed). \u00a0Both AC switches, boat and shore, must be in the off position while these connections are made. \u00a0Turn on the switch at the shore power box. \u00a0Last, turn on the boat’s AC Main switch. \u00a0As you do so, make sure the Reverse Polarity light does not light up. \u00a0If it does, immediately turn the boat AC Main switch off and recheck all connections. \u00a0If the problem continues, DO NOT hook up to shore power, and notify the Tradewinds staff immediately.<\/p>\n