thanks guys,
glad that i asked as having tipped over my heavy 17foot cat twice while solo it's obvious that a freer running mainsheet would a be a good thing

presumably with the ratchet off the sheet will provide better feel too

so 2nd question now the snow is on the local volcanic cones, pic attached, and i've started breaking the boat down should i be looking at an maintenance of the 25 year old traveller and main sheet block?