[C320-list] Dropping Main (dutchman)

[Irv Grunes]

THanks Jeff,
It was you that originally suggested to us to control the halyard at the
mast.  We use the cleat, because we can tie the halyard off with a few quick
turns and a tug, then go aft to help the flake.

I like the part about moving the traveler to starboard to make it easier to
get at the first few flakes over the dodger.  Will have to try that when
next on the boat.

Irv Grunes
Isle of Wight, #851


-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com]On Behalf Of Jeffrey Hare
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 10:32 AM
To: 'C320-List'
Subject: [C320-list] Dropping Main (dutchman)



Hi,


My Wife and I have the procedure for dropping the main polished to where
it's down/stowed in practically no time.

Our procedure has consistently good results for us in a variety of
conditions and is quite easy for the two of us.

Our procedure:  (Begins *after* we're into the wind and engine running,
sailties ready)
==============
1) Move traveler 2/3 to starboard side and cleated off.  Mainsheet & Vang
snugged-up/cleated-off, boom is level and doesn't move.

2) Tighten topping lift very firmly.

3) Run "dutchman blocks" up until both Dutchman lines are snug and CLEAT
OFF. (If Dutchman lines are properly adjusted, they'll both be reasonably
snug.)  I don't care where they're located, just that they're snug.

4) Uncoil the main halyard so it can run free and hand it to the Helmsman to
hold firmly.

5) Uncleat the Main halyard stopper and go forward to the mast (with
sailties).  (helmsperson holds the halyard to keep sail from dropping).

6) Once at the Mast, STEP ON THE MAIN HALYARD where it runs across deck next
to the mast.  (You are now in complete control of the speed of the drop
easily with your foot.   (The helmsperson can ease their grip and just keep
a loose hand on halyard to straighten out any kinks that might jam in the
stopper during the drop.)

7) Ease pressure on your foot to let it drop and guide the alternate flaking
of the LUFF as soon as the helmsperson has lined the BOOM/sail up with the
wind. (The sail should be luffing evenly over the boom. Helmsman's job, but
be patient, it can be tricky.)

8) Once the LUFF is flaked, put one sailtie about a foot or so back from the
mast to hold the luff in place.

9) Go about half way back the boom and, PULL the LEACH Firmly *AFT* and it
will re-center the sail on the boom and help settle the flake of the sail.
Toss on another sail tie or two.


Tricks that work for us:
========================
If the aft part of the sail falls off the boom, it's because your aft
dutchman line is too loose.  Don't worry. Firmly PULLING the leach in the
*AFT* direction along the boom will pop the sail right back on the boom
quite easily.  The middle of the sail might fall off, but  that's trivial
and is easily reset by pulling the leach aft.

I Go forward with the sail ties in my teeth because it leaves me both hands
to work with and easily accessible.

Helmsperson is key to success here.  My wife's a pro at it, and she uses
only enough boat speed to retain good control over steerage and keeps the
sail luffing over the boom.

With the Boom slid over to Starboard some, it's easier to put on sailties
and neaten up the flake as you move aft because you don't have to reach over
the dodger.

We keep the boom fixed in place as firmly as possible with traveller,
mainsheet and topping lift tight, to keep the boom from swinging, which
makes it much easier and safer for the person forward.

My #1 tip:   Using your foot to control the halyard drop at the mast. (Need
shoes, no need to talk with the cockpit)

My #2 tip:   Once back a the dock, neaten up your flaking!!  The sail builds
a memory and will flake easily if it's stored properly flaked.  Over the
winter, I usually flake my main as perfectly as I can, and fold it
afterwords.


While this looks like a lot, it's not.  I just tried to explain some of
techniques *I* use along the way.  Anyone who's sailed with us can probably
attest that they don't recall anything "exciting" or protracted about the
way we drop the main.  It's just down and wrapped up in a flash with minimal
fuss.

I'm sure your mileage will vary.

Cheers!
-JeffH



-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Heyman [mailto:BruceHeyman at cox.net]
Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2007 6:38 PM
To: 'C320-List'
Subject: Re: [C320-list] C320-List Digest, Vol 233, Issue 1

We've been struggling to get out Dutchman to work as well on the 320 as it
did on the Sabre 30.  I have not been able to figure out what the difference
is but on the Sabre it often flaked perfectly and only need you to put the
halyard away and put on three sail ties.

What we are doing now:
 	1) Make sure the outhaul is fairly tight(our main is loose footed
and you need the foot tension to keep the sail on the boom
	2) Release the boomvang, sheet (both sides) and traveler car
	3) Tighten the toping lift
	4) Adjust the location of the black boxes (I'm sure there is a
better technical name for these...) so that the monofilament lines run
straight up and down.  We have a ring of electrical tape on the line to mark
the right spot for the jam cleat.
	5) With all the strings loose the boat does not have to be into the
wind but you have to make sure that the sail and boom are directly into the
wind.
	6) Flake the line out on the cockpit seat to minimize friction and
jam's
	7) Release the break and hope it comes down fast as that seems to
leave it the sail the neatest.
	8) Pull on the leach of the sail to get it lay better on the boom.
	9) Add three sail ties and put away the halyard.
	10) Tighten all the down strings, release the toping lift and adjust
the black boxes on the topping lift so that there is no tension on the
monofilament.


As I was typing this out it suddenly occurred to me why it takes so long to
put this sail away.  It is time to put a furling main on the wish list.

If anyone has improvements that eliminate steps or make it easier we sure
would like to hear about them.

Bruce
Somerset 671 SoCal



-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of FSenft at aol.com
Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2007 12:09 PM
To: c320-list at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] C320-List Digest, Vol 233, Issue 1

RE:  Dutchman vs Lazy Jack

We have Hull # 890 and are not happy with the performance of our  Dutchman.

Even though we have adjusted it several times  it does not  fold properly.
Also for safety purposes I would like to not have to go  forward to fasten
the sail ties.  Any suggestions appreciated.

S/V Haley Marie
Chesapeake Bay