In prep for SHTP..and heavy weather racing in the Bay (which is every day as it usually blows a minimum of 25 knots)
I wanted to solve two problems: 1) with a 6 to 1 purchase ratio on the main sheet, I could handle the main in all kinds of weather but it would take forever for m to bring in the main at the leeward mark.
However, reducing the purchase would make it very tough for me to trim the main in heavier wind, even reefed.
Also, in heavy winds, triming the main constantly to stay in the groove and be fast requires a lot of effort when you are past depowering adjustment with the cunningham, outhaul, backstay and traveler...but this would leave me with open sores in my hands after a full day of racing...so having a bigger purchase ratio would be better for me - otherwise the alternative is to be less competitive as the main would be trimmed 'cruising style' for a not so close haul...
Also my reefing lines were starting to get twists and bad kinks as well as holes in the cover. Scott Easom had recommended some thinner but super strong spectra so now Elise has those reefing lines installed (I just put a tag line for most Bay races, even though even my Bay racing main has one reefing point)
Both halyards now have a protective cover against chafe. In the last Pac Cup or Coastal Cups and Long Pacs, chafe did not seem to be a big deal but we did change the position of the halyards on a regular basis, in the morning and in the evening. Hopefully this won't even be needed, or perhaps just toward the end of the trip.
Elise also got a new main halyard, the other one being a little 'old' - Elise also has a brand new spare main halyard...and blue is Elise's color!
Here is more info about the new mainsheet arrangement and the cockpit floor is where the liferaft normally sits..
New turning block for the jib halyard at the base of the mast. Old one was bent.
Scott and team did a nice job :)
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