[C320-list] Clew Tension with Reef in Mainsail

[Stephen Cox]

> The ideal solution would be to have an eye on a short piece 
> of track on the side of the boom so that the position would 
> be adjustable. 

One problem with adding tracks, eyes and saddle either on the side or
underneath the boom is the impression they make on your head, if you are
tall enough or standing on the cockpit seats, when caught by an unexpected
jibe or flogging of the main.

If the situation arises that more leech tension is needed I tie a separate
piece of line passing around the boom and back up to the grommet in the
sail.

Early on in my ownership of Tegwen I got caught in a "Southerly Buster" off
the NSW (Australia) coast that settled down to a 40 knot wind with only the
standard single reef available.  After that I had two additional reefs added
and have never regretted it.  The first two are single line but the third
must be tied traditionally with reefing lines.  The third is well up the
sail and only for getting me home if I get caught out again, I wouldn't set
out in winds requiring it at the get go.


Regards,

Stephen Cox
#1141 Tegwen