How Do You Raise A Sail?

What does it mean to raise the sails?

Naval terminology is backwards from what you think it is when you hear “Raise the sails.” It means to put them down so you can move. If hoist means to furl the sail, please explain “Hoist your sail when the wind is fair.”

Which sail do you raise first?

The first sail that you should raise is the mainsail, whether you intend to sail up or downwind. Next, you’ll raise either the jib or the spinnaker, depending on whether you expect to sell upwind, at a reach, or downwind.

How are sails lowered?

Sails are taken down or furled in the reverse order of their set. Head sails, starting with furthest forward, and then the mainsail are struck or lowered.

Can you sail without a topping lift?

True, the topping lift is not (normally) used to make sail trim. You would slack it so the boom “hangs” on the sail. BUT if the boom drags on the bimini, then yes, you would have to engage the topping lift to prevent rubbing. You do what you gotta do.

What is the topping lift on a sailboat?

The topping lift (more rarely known as an uphaul) is a line which applies upward force on a boom on a sailboat. Part of the running rigging, topping lifts are primarily used to hold a boom up when the sail is lowered. This line would run from near the free end of the boom(s) forward to the top of the mast.

How tight should mainsail halyard be?

A 6:1 tackle on the foot should be enough, but the exact same principles apply anyhow, just horizontal instead of vertical. leave the slugs, they make good contact with the mast and allow easy jiffy reefing.

What does lowering the sails mean?

Normally “raising sails” means expanding them to begin sailing and lowering means packing them in in order to stop.

How do lazy jacks work?

Lazy jacks are networks of lines that are rigged along each side of the mainsail from multiple points on the boom or a stack pack to a point on the mast just above the spreaders, at about 60% the mast’s height. Their purpose is to hold the mainsail on top of the boom when it is lowered.

When should I raise my jib?

Main sail goes up first, then the jib. That keeps the boat headed into the wind as you stand away from the mooring. Some sailors leave jib rigged, attached, but not hoisted when on the mooring, or returning to the mooring, and sail with only mainsail. When un-rigging, the jib comes down first then the main.

Do you raise or lower sails?

raising sail
The general rule for raising and lowering sails is that (a) you head up into the wind and (b) you raise the sail furthest from the wind (i.e. the main) first and then the genoa; when lowering sail you lower the jib first, then the main.

How do you drop a headsail?

Dropping the mainsail

1. Prepare to drop. First, flake the main halyard and grab some sail ties.
2. Lower. Lower the mainsail, trying to flake the luff as the sail comes down.
3. Flake the sail.
4. Tidy up.

What does a boat with a furled sail mean?

Furling refers to stowing or dousing a boat’s sail by flaking (folding), packing (like stuffing a spinnaker into a bag), or stowing it in part or whole using roller furling.

Is a topping lift necessary?

It is important to note that with an adjustable topping lift it is essential that this line is released once the mainsail is hoisted, allowing the sail to pull taut. In this position, the mainsail can achieve an effective shape and can be trimmed nicely for sailing at different points of sail.

How do you install a lift topping?

To install this topping lift:

1. Attach the empty eye of the wire to the same pin at the masthead as the backstay.
2. At the aft end of the boom, use a portable electric drill to drill pilot holes and mount the eye strap on one side of the boom.
3. Attach the 1/4″ line to the eye strap with a spliced eye or bowline knot.

Do all sailboats have a topping lift?

Most sailboats have a traditional topping lift to perform this function, whole some boats use a newer rigid vang to hold up the boom. Shown in this photo is an adjustable topping lift from the outboard end of the boom to the masthead.

What is a fairlead on a boat?

A fairlead is a device to guide a line, rope or cable around an object, out of the way or to stop it from moving laterally. Typically a fairlead will be a ring or hook.

How do you store a sail?

The best way to store your sails is to hang them from the ceiling so they don’t touch anything. The next best option is to store them on a shelf (keep the open end of the bag facing away from any walls for better air circulation and to make it harder for a pest to get in).

What is a Dutchman flaking system?

The Dutchman Mainsail Flaking System uses vertical control lines laced through fairleads in the sail to automatically flake the sail. The sail slides up and down on the lines like a window shade. As the sail is dropped, the lines guide the main down to alternate sides of the boom.

What does a Cunningham do on a sailboat?

The cunningham controls the fore and aft position of draft in the mainsail or genoa and works together with the traveler, mainsheet, outhaul and vang to optimize sail shape and increase boatspeed. Cunningham controls lead to the crew to encourage adjustment as wind speed changes.

What is helm sailing?

Helm – A tiller or wheel and any associated equipment for steering a ship or boat. Ours is a wheel and we let our passengers take the helm at times during the cruise.