Jib Sheets
The jib sheets and main share the same winch, unfortunately at this time the main sheets and the jib sheets are all the same color. I will probably soon change that.
When tacking it is best to backwind the jib before releasing the sheet, so it will cross without fouling. You need to watch for the jib sheet fouling on the main halyard winch on the mast when turning to starboard. Before you tack take a look at how the lines are laying. It is best to lay the line on top of the wire frame on the mast. If you do have a foul in the line, you much have both line break off in order to clear the jam due to the amount of tension on the line.
We recommend 3 wraps on the winch. With 3 wraps you can ease the line without as much risk of rope burns. Once the sail is trimmed as much as possible by hand, then insert the line into the tailor and use the winch handle.
While tacking, have 3 wraps on the winch and have the line secured in the tailor. Release the line break, then when ready release the line off the winch as quickly as possible. If you release the line off the winch before releasing the line break, there may be too much tension to release the line break easily, and you risk receiving a nasty rope burn when it is released. If the line is bound, just give a quick turn on the winch and that will take the tension off the line break.
Make sure you watch the lines on the furler and the sheets. They are long and if not stowed properly, you run the risk of them fouling a prop.
Close the side ports when tacking. It is possible to hook a sheet, thus twisting a hatch. The result is $250 mistake. Also watch the overhead hatches in the main saloon when sailing downwind. If you accidentally jibe you could snag a hatch, thus having a $350 bad day.
When pulling out the headsail, occasionally the line will bind at the bottom of the furling drum. Just wander forward and just pop the line with your hand and it will clear.
On a cat when you furl the headsail it takes a lot of turns. There is a furling winch by the starboard sugarscoop, we never use it. The easiest way to furl the headsail is for someone to go forward and just furl the sail at the trampoline. Remember to pull the slack back through to the end furling winch.
When furling the sail, so not let it flog. This is hard on the sail, boat and personnel that may be in the way of the flogging jib sheets. If furling while sailing upwind, slowly ease out the jib sheet to keep just a little tension on the sail, but not too much or it will be too difficult to furl.
Sailing downwind is the easiest way to furl the sail.
