[C320-list] Single line Dutchman?

[jonvez at comcast.net]

Scott,

I had a 135 made (by North) with a removable rope luff for better shape when furled. This seems to work much better than the foam luff that I've used on other boats. Of course, last season I never had to use the sail reefed, but this past weekend I did. In 26 kts of wind, the sail shape was fantastic and kept the boat on her feet with no rounding up whatsoever. I had the sailmaker put two hash marks at furling points equalling 110 and 95 which is also useful. Although I doubt you will ever get decent shape at 95, it didn't cost anything more so I had them mark it. 
I rarely need to reef my main, as I find the boat is more jib driven, so getting a quality jib became a priority for me. I am really happy with the performance under all conditions.
(BTW, anyone interested in a used OEM 135 in great condition contact me offline)

Regards,

Jon Vez

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Scott Thompson <sthompson at toad.net> 

> I'd be interested in hearing what size and type of genoa you purchased 
> and what kind of sail shape you get from it when sailing reefed. An 
> inability to depower and control jib shape of the 150% OEM sail when the 
> true wind hits 15 knots or above is my biggest frustration when sailing 
> Surprise, and so I'm interested in learning what works for others. I 
> was impressed with the construction quality of Mack sails when I visited 
> their booth at the Annapolis sailboat show a few years ago. My 
> recollection is that they were using a series of ropes sewed parallel to 
> the luff in lieu of a foam pad in order to help get better sail shape 
> when reefed. This seemed like a better long run solution, if it works 
> at all. 
> 
> Scott 
> 
> drshoffner at aol.com wrote: 
> > 
> > I recently replaced my OEM sails on #171 with a new set of sails from Mack 
> Sails in Ft. Lauderdale. Rather with going with another Dutchman flaking system 
> I elected to go with their Mack Pack for almost the same price. I would highly 
> recommend this for anyone who needs a new main cover since this is s combination 
> mainsail cover and lazy jack system which makes putting the main to bed an 
> absolute dream! For details see their website www.macksails.com. 
> > 
> > In a mater of a couple of minutes you can drop your main into it's cover (aka 
> Mack Pack), tighten the lazy jack and zip her up. No more fiddling with sail 
> ties, putting on the cover, etc. Workmanship was excellent, and Collen Mack was 
> extremely helpful throughout the process. Sails arrived as promised and 
> installation was pretty straight forward. The only time consuming part was 
> installing 2 small cheek blocks 25' up the mast for the lazy jacks which took me 
> about 2 hours. Their instructions were easy to follow. I don't miss my 
> Dutchman System a bit. 
> > 
> > I've read with interest over the years the benefit of a new set of sail but 
> was amazed at the difference! I point higher and perform better at all points 
> of sail. 
> > 
> > Mike 
> > 
> > -----Original Message----- 
> > From: jonvez at comcast.net 
> > To: C320-List 
> > Sent: Wed, 14 Jun 2006 11:45:03 +0000 
> > Subject: Re: [C320-list] Single line Dutchman? 
> > 
> > 
> > Jeff, 
> > 
> > The only problem I see is the mainsail cover when storing as someone else 
> > pointed out. I've also replaced my continuous loop line and it was a very 
> > straightforward job. 
> > It sounds like you're looking for simplicity, not avoiding changing the line 
> > though.....If you do go this route, I would be interested to see if you are 
> > happier with it.... 
> > 
> > Regards, 
> > 
> > Jon Vez 
> > 
> > -------------- Original message -------------- 
> > From: "Jeffrey Hare" 
> > 
> >> Hi All, 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> My dutchman line (the continuous loop line itself) has finally sprouted 
> >> so many puckers of the core out through the cover that the blocks snag and 
> >> don't run up/down very easily. 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> I've seen the single line version that essentially has a cable with fixed 
> >> blocks holding the mono-filament line. No clothsline loop, no jam cleat, no 
> >> turning-blocks, just a line with the dutchman blocks fixed in position that 
> >> gets attached to the topping lift and run up to the top of the mast. 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> Rather than have a new closeline loop made, I'm considering just taking a 
> >> scrap of my old halyard, measuring off the positions of the blocks and 
> >> knotting the blocks in place. 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> Seems like then, all I'd have to do is ease the topping lift a little when 
> >> raising the sail, and tighten it up prior to dropping the sail. 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> With the clothesline loop, I also have to do ease/tighten the topping lift 
> >> just a little, as well as running the dutchman blocks up/down. 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> Sounds to me like I save one step when dropping the main. 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> Has anyone else converted the continuous loop dutchman to a single? (I've 
> >> sailed with the single on a C380 and it seemed easier). 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> -JeffH 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> 
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