Lines Led Aft

Several years ago, I decided to rig all of Snickerdoodle’s halyards and other sail control lines aft from the mast to the cockpit for easier single-handed sailing.  The halyards and the topping lift I used the traditional deck organizer, rope clutch, winch system seen on many boats.  However, for the single-line reefing lines, the Cunningham, the clew outhaul and the flattening reef line I came up with a different system.  I installed swivel cleats near the mast base and have enough extra line that the line can be tied to the handle on the main hatch.

With this system, all of the lines needed for hoisting sails, dousing sails, reefing sails, et al are within easy reach from anyone in the cockpit.  In fact, tucking in a reef is so easy now that I can do that job single-handed in about thirty seconds.  Here are the steps:

Steer a close reach course with main and jib trimmed properly.

Snug up the topping lift.

Sheet out the mainsail till it luffs fully.

Lower the main halyard with one hand while pulling in the reefing line with your other hand.  

When the halyard has been lowered to a predetermined spot, cleat off the halyard; and continue pulling in on the reefing line until both the luff and the leach reef points are at the boom.  The reefing line is automatically cleated in the swivel cleat.

Snug up on the halyard to tension the luff.

Ease the topping lift

Sheet in to trim the reefed main properly.

All this takes about thirty seconds.

Tucking in a flattening reef is even easier since the halyard does not need to be lowered.  The following two photos show before and after tucking in the flattening reef.

 

 If you are interested in my setup, stop by Snickerdoodle while I’m at the marina and I’ll show you the whole arrangement.