[C320-list] Dutchman System help...

[jonvez at comcast.net]

Tim,

Here's what I do (and haven't needed antacids once :)--

Once the cover is off, I tighten the filament line as if I'm going to drop the sail.

When ready to raise the sail, I ease the Topping Lift so that the whole dutchman is slack by about 3 inches (this prevents getting caught up in the backstay triangle) and I release the continuous line from the cam cleat on the aft end of the boom. This allows the raised sail to dictate how much give it needs from the dutchman.

Once the sail is fully raised, I ease the topping lift a bit more to ensure no chafe.

To Drop the sail--
When head to wind, hand pull the topping lift as tight as you can

Pull the continuous line back into the cam on end of boom and pull the line there as tight as possible.

Drop the sail....

Hope this is somewhat clear. Once I got used to the Dutchman, I have really come to appreciate, the only thing I would like better is a roller furling boom--but I don't think I'll go to the expense for this option on a 320....

Regards,

Jon

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Tim <chillinonahd at yahoo.com> 

> Well, so far you have been so helpful and entertaining as well. Thanks. 
> 
> My C320, hull # 603 has a dutchman type B with a topping lift. Sometimes I 
> have trouble getting the mainsail taunt and I suspect it has to do with how I am 
> raising the sail or lack of experience or both. 
> 
> When the sail is down the dutchman is loosened to allow the sail cover to be 
> installed. Before raising the sail, I adjust (tighten) the dutchman and slack 
> the single line reefing. Is this the correct procedure ? Did I miss a step ? 
> 
> Help...thanks !!! 
> 
> 
> --------------------------------- 
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