Lazy jacks and mainsail trim

Bob Baylis writes…

Following the damage to the mainsail bag on Carina the Bosun team discussed the probable cause and methods to prevent such damage occurring again. They concluded that the lazy jack lines were not eased before the sail was released from the topping lift and the boom was left supported only by the mainsail bag.

The rule I suggest is that when hoisting the sail: slacken the lazy jacks before easing the topping lift.

When lowering the sail: raise the topping lift before tightening the lazy jacks

However thinking on, it does raise the issue of mainsail trim. As well as pulling the mainsail in and out the mainsheet also tensions the leach of the sail when close hauled. Well it would if it wasn’t straining against the lazy jacks! When off the wind the leach tension is controlled by the vang…with the same proviso re the lazy jacks. So if the lazy jacks are not being released the mainsail cannot be trimmed to it’s proper extent.

The lazy jack line is designed to allow the lazy jacks to be retracted after the sail is hoisted. They can be brought back and stowed on their cleat on the mast. This then allows the sail bag to be rolled away and tied in to the boom. The wind then has clean access to the foot of the sail but in my view more importantly, it enables a clear view of the sail foot for outhaul adjustment, and reef line if needed.

It is a while since I have done much sailing on Carina but when we sailed her in her early days we found her extremely responsive to the trim of the outhaul and that small adjustments can make a significant difference to boat speed and performance. Persevering with mainsail trim can be very rewarding.

I know that it is an extra task, retracting the lazy jacks and rolling away the sail bag, and that not everyone is motivated to go around adjusting the sail trim all the time. Every now and then however I make an adjustment to the sails and the boat actually speeds up and when it does it is very satisfying. And if it doesn’t you can always put the sail back to where it was in the first place and hope the rest of the crew didn’t notice!

One safety-first note though which I have often seen compromised:

Skippers:
Before you let anyone walk on to the coachroof to work on the boom make sure that the mainsheet and traveller are tight and secure. i.e the boom can’t swing and carry anyone off the coachroof. It will require a competent person on the main sheet control to ease this as the topping lift is raised.

Crew:
Before working along the boom make sure of the above for yourself!

Happy trimming!