Mainsail Lifehack 1: More convenient recovery - dhe long leash replaces the long arm
Our mainsail is equipped with simple planing sliders. What works well on small yachts reaches its limits with increasing sail area. The continuous top batten in particular causes problems, as it causes the slides to tilt when the sail is hoisted, so that the last part of the mainsail does not fall onto the boom under its own weight, but has to be hoisted. You can do this with a boat hook or by climbing onto the lowest mast steps. Our recovery line is much more convenient. It is attached to the headboard and runs down the luff of the sail about three slipping distances. It is then extended with a rubber strop, which is fixed another two slides further down. The line can be used to pull the head of the sail downwards and secure it to the mast. The rubber ensures that the line is taut when sailing and does not slap.
Robert Krinner, Vienna
Mainsail Lifehack 2: Quick release fastener
Lazy jacks hold the sail on the main boom. However, the mainsail can also be blown back up the mast in slightly stronger winds. We therefore use three plastic hooks. Knotted into the end of the lazy-jack lines on one side, they are hooked over the recovered sail. This keeps the sail securely in place and gives us time to prepare the mooring manoeuvre properly. Without any unpleasant surprises, the manoeuvre then goes smoothly in the usual routine.
Stefan Jockenhoevel, by e-mail
Mainsail lifehack 3: Flexible lazy jacks
Our lazy-jack system consists of two rooster points. The ropes of the aft one are tied to the boom. One side of the second cockpot is attached to the first via a knotted ring, the front one is deflected on the boom and connected to a long rubber strop. This runs aft again through a cleat further forwards on the boom. The lazy jacks can be loosened for setting sail by pulling slack out of the rubber strap and attaching it to the cleat. When recovering, the lazy-jack is tightened to leeward and tied to the cleat with the rope of the forward cockspot.
Heinz-Peter Schwalbe, Berlin
Mainsail Lifehack 4: Zeiser with remote control
To keep the mainsail neatly hoisted on the boom when leaving the harbour, I replaced the usual webbing hoist with a longer line. I tie a cross knot in the front part around the sail, boom and the already shackled main halyard. I then lead the line further aft and secure the sail there once again with a simple square knot. To set the sail, I untie the aft knot and then - with a firm tug - the forward slip knot. The main halyard comes free and I can set the sail.
Dr Fritz Keller, Hamburg
Do you have any advice for other sailors?
We will honour the publication of your lifehack with 50 euros. Please add photos or sketches. We also need your address so that we can send you a crossed cheque.
Submissions to: YACHT editorial office, Gänsemarkt 24, 20354 Hamburg; or: mail@yacht.de
