[C320-list] new main and jib sheets

[Scott Thompson]

Regarding the Regatta Braid from NE Ropes, this stuff feels great in 
your hands and is easy to splice.  It's the mainsheet of choice on the 
J105 I race on, and I used it with great success as the mainsheet on my 
old Yamaha 30.  But...

I'm not sure how well it works on a winch or with a self tailing 
mechanism.  I haven't used it in this application, and suspect it will 
not wear well if used this way.  The finish is quite soft.  In the J105 
it is used with a ratchet block and cam cleats.

It stretches much more than most other polyester (Dacron) lines.  This 
could be a problem with the midboom sheeting arrangement on a C320 or 
for sheeting a big genoa.  You can tolerate some stretch in sheets, but 
I fear that on lines that are loaded enough to require using a winch the 
Regatta Braid might be a bit too stretchy.

The great "hand" comes partly from a rather loose single braid weave 
(which also is why it tends to stretch).  This means that it soaks up 
water like a sponge.  It also means that individual threads tend to snag 
and pull out of the main rope rather easily.  These become long loops of 
yarn that have to be cut and tied off to prevent further snags.  This is 
the downside to a rope without a tightly woven cover.

In short, a great rope for some applications, but I would be a bit 
careful about testing some of the above features before purchasing a lot 
of it.  I'm somewhat skeptical that it would work well on either main or 
genoa sheets on a 320.  Maybe others can offer testimony to the 
contrary, in which case I will probably buy some soon myself. 
Otherwise, I would probably go with Staset (not Staset X) for my sheets, 
or something similar from another manufacturer.

Scott Thompson
Surprise, 653

Koen Bennebroek wrote:
> hi Jeff,
>  
> finding sheets that handle nicely with bare hands is also on my mind. I don't think the main halyard needs to be replaced at this time, but the main sheet does.
> I've heard praise for the New England Regatta Braid line that West Marine carries, for sole use as jib sheet. So I will check that out. But I have no idea without going to the boat first what diameter/length I need for jib and main. I was hoping to find this answer here, but I guess I need to wait until I've measured it on the boat.
>  
> I think when it comes to replacing the halyard my choices are more limited and I need to go with some less-stretch cordage. But that's not on the shopping list now.
>  
> Will keep you posted on my selection and happiness with the result.
>  
> Thanks, Koen
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Jeffrey Hare <catalina at thehares.com>
> To: C320-List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
> Sent: Friday, August 4, 2006 4:24:29 PM
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] new main and jib sheets
> 
> 
> Hi Koen,
> 
> I replaced my Main Halyard with Yale Crystaline and am pleased with it,
> although it is much stiffer than the original factory bungy cord that ships
> with the boat.  I think others have done this too.  I think 110' is what we
> have for the Main.  The line came from www.pyacht.com.
> 
> As for the Genoa sheets, I'd recommend getting something that has a nice
> soft feel in your hands.  Stretch is ok in Genoa sheets.  Calling the guys
> at Layline (www.layline.com), they can give you really good advice for
> choosing lines that meet your needs.
> 
> Let us know what you choose!
> -JeffH
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Koen Bennebroek [mailto:vergaar2004-catalina at yahoo.com] 
> Sent: Friday, August 04, 2006 6:28 PM
> To: C320-List
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] new main and jib sheets
> 
> A little bit more info: 
> what I'm looking for is how to choose from the likes of Sta-Set , Sta-Set-X,
> Samson XLS, Samson Trophy Braid or Marlow Braid..I would like to get sheets
> that in order of decreasing priority:
> - don't wear too quickly over time
> - don't stretch too much (although I'm not sure what the measure is here..)
> - feel good on your hands
> - come in 'tracer' colors
> 
> We do not race, so I don't think we need any of the performance line like
> Dyneema.
> 
> Also, not being at the boat now, which diameter do I need and how long do
> the sheets need to be?
> Anything else we need to keep in mind when purchasing new sheets?
> 
> Thanks for any insights.
> 
> -Koen
> 
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Koen Bennebroek <vergaar2004-catalina at yahoo.com>
> To: C320-List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
> Sent: Friday, August 4, 2006 1:24:53 PM
> Subject: [C320-list] new main and jib sheets
> 
> 
> We're looking into getting new main and jib sheets for Big Cat. Any advice
> on brand, type, shop? What's the recommended length for the 320?
> 
> Thanks, Koen