I usually sail solo, sloop-rigged. When I DO have crew, I usually have them trap out and handle my tramp-mounted jib sheets. They haul in on that sheet to hold themselves onto the hull so they don't fly off. I have never had my crew run the main while I steer. My question is then, what's left for the crew to hold onto if you have a Wouter-type self tacking jib sheet that is a short endless loop? Is it kind of like riding a bike with no hands? Sounds scary!

Upwind : either mainsheet or traveller line of mainsail

downwind : spinnaker sheet

If you sail solo, with jib, you will LOVE the self tacker! You can make the tails long enough and run them to the crew's trap line so they can still use them for balance. If it's windy the crew will also be working the downhaul upwind, make it long enough and they can use it for ballance too. You should try getting the crew to work the main for you, unless they are not strong enough. When my kids crewed for me they could never do it. but if your crew is strong, you can concentrate on steering and tell them to ease (when necessary).

The biggest gains will be made when the crew gets that spinnaker up and drawing quickly on mark roundings, and on the take down/setup for upwind at C mark. There is plenty for the crew to do then!

Plenty for the crew to do.

Buy sandwiches, ice and beer. Step the mast, raise the main and make sure the spin is rigged correctly.

What's left for the crew...?

The self tacking jib is nice but it is only the tip a the iceberg. The crew is always making constant adjustments and this includes the jib. The self tacker just allows the crew to get on the wire a few moments sooner. There overall job hasn't changed.

Top crew can make an average skipper a hero! Ask my wife she'll tell you.

Read my whole post, not just the title. The gist was, "With a short (and low maintenance) jib sheet, what does the crew hold on to for balance?" I doubt if the angle of the traveler would offer much comfort as "reins" to hold the crew to the boat in heavy cross chop when running a shoal.

Since I solo a 16 foot boat, the rare day with crew means keeping them off the jib lines and out of my way. The trap is a good place...out of the way. My job? Run everything, drive hard, and take chances. Win some, lose some. "STAY OFF THOSE BLOCKS!!! (god damn you...)

Maybe this is why I can never find crew. Why do those thieving little liars hate me so?

David,
As a former sloop crew, I think that is an excellent question, and I know exactly what you are talking about. Especially if you don't want the crew holding onto either the mainsheet or the traveler sheet. I would feel very insecure and unstable on the trapeze without my jib sheet.

tie a piece of rope around the mast and get them to hang on to that... or give them the down haul sheet... or just use the crew as an object of entertainment while you watch them stumble and fall along the side of the deck like a deranged puppet on a string.

Hell yes ! You can't say this often enough.

Wouter

David,

In your case , downgrade the 4:1 jib purchase to 2:1 and run the jib sheet line outboard and have your crew hang on those.

And no the angle of the mainsheet isn't wrong. On the F16's you are far back on the boat when trapezing.


Wouter

[quoteTop crew can make an average skipper a hero! Ask my wife she'll tell you.
[/quote]
Hey Ding, I have no doubt that Kathy's Top Crew, but if that's true how come you're taller than her?
CARY