Hey Karl,
You make some really good points. But it's these points that cause me to have the questions I have. Sailing solo most of the time gives me the opportunity to observe my boats behavior when using all the options available. I have noticed a distinct difference in performance based on the location of both travelers.
Quote:
Usually I don't have my crew adjust the traveler once underway. But I'm almost always all the way in or out with the jib traveler. I'm either pointing as high as I can, or downwind going as deep as I can go. When rounding A mark I send the crew in first they grab the jib sheat in one hand, and the traveler sheat in the other.
If there's enough wind to double trap on the way to "A" mark, why would you have to come off the wire at all while rounding the mark. I know that most sailors dump the main traveler while rounding the mark but that's where the boat speed is lost. In my experience (and I have very little), I've learned that boat speed is maintained best if the main traveler is gradually released through the manuveur. I've also noticed that pointing as high as I can and as deep as I can does not give me the greatest speeds for my boat (maybe I don't have it set up properly).
So, my question is, wouldn't it be advantagous if the crew could take both the jib and jib traveler sheet out on the wire with them so that they could make the necessary traveler adjustments with the skipper (making main traveler adjustments) while rounding "A" mark? Of course, the traveler sheet would have to be longer than I've seen them on most boats. Mine are as long as the jib sheet and I want to make sure before making any other adjustments. Just trying to get some input before I kill myself (and my crew). What do you think???
By the way, it's
sheet.