It is a typical problem on many yachts, including ours: when tacking, the lower leech of the genoa gets caught on the railing. The problem can be avoided by improving the interaction between the people on the foresheet and helm by tightening the headsail before it blows over the rail and gets caught. But even then, the wear of the foot caused by friction of the sail on the wire of the railing remains; this cannot be prevented even by perfect timing in the tack and occurs at the latest when unfurling for half or rough wind.
To protect the lower leech in future, we have slid a flexible corrugated cable tube onto the stainless steel wire. This so-called corrugated cable tube reduces friction thanks to a smoother surface, and it also rotates on the wire. In addition, commercially available deflectors on the pulpit, railing support and in the centre of the wire ensure low-friction passage should the headsail get caught behind the railing during a less than perfect tack.
Edgar Ohnmacht, Tolk
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