[C320-list] Dutchman versus stack pack?

[Scott Thompson]

I also use the autopilot to keep the boat head to wind. I find that with 
the Dutchman system the sail pretty much flakes itself on the way down 
when I release the halyard, and all I have to do when I go forward is to 
tidy it up a bit before putting the sail ties on. I think it probably 
helps that I have a full batten main. Getting it adjusted properly isn't 
that hard if you read the directions.

BTW, when I bought Surprise she had a Dutchman system with two 
monofilament lines. When I bought a new main the sailmaker talked me 
into a three line system, saying that is what was consistent with 
Dutchman's guidelines and my sail size. The three line system is 
marginally more helpful for helping the sail flake itself on the way 
down and for keeping it on the boom while waiting to add sail ties.

Scott Thompson



On 6/25/2019 10:51 AM, Jeff Hare wrote:
> Why don't you simply point the boat into the wind, set your autopilot to hold this wind angle (wind vane mode) and have the boat stay into the wind on its own and skip the monkey moves?  :)
>
> Stack Pack is nice if you like that sort of thing.  Dutchman works absolutely perfectly for us since I control the drop of the sail at the mast by simply stepping on the halyard and flake it side to side at the mast as it drops.  Then pop 2 sail ties on and I'm back in the cockpit in no time.  The one single enhancement I'd make would be a small rope clutch on the mast so that I could lock the halyard, release the cabin top rope clutch and then go to the mast and do the whole drop.
>
> Today if I have an assistant, they release the clutch but hold the halyard until I get to the mast and step on the halyard.  Then I've got it the rest of the way down.
>
> -Jeff
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Don Johnson
> Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2019 10:07 AM
> To: Catalina 320 List Posting <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Dutchman versus stack pack?
>
> I agree with all of the positive statements made about changing to a Stack Pack system.  While I haven’t done it much lately, I used to single hand the boat periodically, and I’m pretty sure I looked like a monkey jumping back and forth between the helm and the sail trying to keep the boat into the wind while managing the sail down, and not doing a very good job of it!  I had Doyle Sails make a Stack Pack, and it changed everything!  VERY easy to point the boat into the wind, drop the sail in seconds and done!  One of the best changes I have made.
>
> Don Johnson
> 1994 Hull 53
> Alamitos Bay, Long Beach Ca
>
>> On Jun 24, 2019, at 5:18 PM, Mark Hagerty <mark at thehagertys.org> wrote:
>>
>> I have a 1996 320 that I purchased 3 years ago with the Dutchman
>> system. I was elated that it had the system and did my level best to
>> embrace it. It’s a persnickety solution (I know there are those who
>> will disagree) and over the winter I ditched the Dutchman and had
>> Chesapeake Sailmakers put together a stack pack for me. I LOVE IT!
>> Sail comes down fast and into the stack pack. Zip it closed and you’re
>> done. No more sail ties, reflaking, etc. I wouldn’t go back
>>
>>> On Jun 24, 2019, at 7:48 PM, Rod Boer <rod.boer1 at verizon.net> wrote:
>>>
>>> All,
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I have been sailing my C320, Odyssey for about 20 years. I originally
>>> took delivery with the Dutchman installed and have basically been
>>> happy with it but now I sail single handed probably 95% of the time.
>>> This year between setup and sailing the Dutchman has been a pain in
>>> the butt. The boat in the slip next to mine is a Beneteau 393 which I
>>> race on with the owner and a couple of other guys. The owner had a
>>> stack pack put on it before delivery and is very happy with it.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> During the spring launch it is much easier putting the sail on that
>>> boat than it is on the C320.  I am considering a stack pack and am
>>> interested others experiences with this sail approach.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Odyssey, 688
>>>
>>> Chesapeak Bay
>>>
>>>
-- 
Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653