[C320-list] Fore Stay Furling Gear

[Quentin Murphy]

Thanks for all the suggestions.  I agree that leaving the line slack is not
a good idea as I've seen two blown-out foresails (shredded) over the last
five years.  As someone else indicated, once the sail opens a little bit,
the wind catches it and out it is blown in a strong wind.

The "backing in" option is not always easy when the turning basin is tight
and there is a prevailing wind across the bow.  At our club I normally use
seven 5/8-inch laid (twisted) lines (not the easy-to-handle braided type)
and all with heavy-duty snubbers.  Right now, I have five additional storm
lines as May and early June can bring in nasty blows.  When I leave my boat,
I tie it up as if there will be a storm that night.  That way, when one does
blow in, I don't have to worry and panic and rush down to the boat.

So forget the slack line.  I think I'll add a cleat forward of the "gate" in
the lifelines.  I'm surprised Catalina does not provide for this for us
"Port-Sided Bow-Inners".

Quentin Murphy
Celtic Knot #667