Proper Use of the Typhoon Senior Dual Mainsheet System

[MHBsailor]

I've been wanting to post this for some time now. I've been experimenting with my Typhoon Senior's dual mainsheet system in all sailing positions from close-reached to running dead downwind. For example, when easing the mainsheets from close hauled, it seems the boom lifts more if I ease the leeward mainsheet that if I ease the windward mainsheet. This makes me wonder if there is some amount of what effectively amounts to vang control? Interestingly my TY Senior came with the mast and boom bails to add a vang, but I'm wondering if I really need one? I was paddling around Sippican Harbor in Marion, MA this evening and saw a TY Senior with what appeared to be a "boomkicker" and I know of another TY Senior on the Narragansett Bay that has one too. Would be most interested in hearing from those who have experience with the dual mainsheet setup how they decide how to trim or ease the windward and leeward side mainsheets, and also from TY Senior skippers who have (or installed) a vang or boomkicker or similar device. Thanks!

[Megunticook]

Hmmmm....I never thought it made a difference which end of the sheet I adjusted. Once the slack is out of the sheet it seems like the boom position would be the same no matter which end you ease.

I do have a vang installed and use it on windier days. It definitely helps keep the boom from rising and putting a "twist" in the sail shape.

[Neil Gordon]

I do have a vang installed and use it on windier days. It definitely helps keep the boom from rising and putting a "twist" in the sail shape.

It will also keep an accidental jibe from severing the back stay.

[s2sailorlis]

I had a boomkicker on my last boat. Loved it. No need for a topping lift and I found it easier to shape the main as needed.

[robwm]

Please excuse my ignorance but I am not sure I know what a "dual main sheet" system(s) is/are and what advantage they offer. Could someone enlighten me with an explanation or pics if available? Thanks in advance.
Robert

[Neil Gordon]

Please excuse my ignorance but I am not sure I know what a "dual main sheet" system(s) is/are and what advantage they offer. Could someone enlighten me with an explanation or pics if available? Thanks in advance.
Robert

Yes, exactly what Roberto said. Is it two separate sheets, or a single sheet that can be tended/cleated at either end?

[drb9]

I can’t say whether there is any difference—I have never noticed one on my 26. But for those wondering what it looks like, here is an illustration from the owners manual.

[Neil Gordon]

I can’t say whether there is any difference—I have never noticed one on my 26. But for those wondering what it looks like, here is an illustration from the owners manual.

Got it. The arrangement lets you trim the main sheet, or release it, from either side of the cockpit. On a larger scale, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater has the same arrangement for its jib. It's set up with equal amounts sheet on either side. It's then tended from the windward side, but I suppose if you're seated in the cockpit, you would tend it where you could reach it. Since you need to be able to let the boom out fully from either side, the main sheet would need to be long enough to be able to do this from either side.

[robwm]

Aha ! There is a TY Sr a couple of docks down from me and he has the double main-sheet arrangement. Here is a photo. I'd be interested in pros/cons about this arrangement. I like the fact that it provides easier access to the aft deck since the single main-sheet is moved to the the sides. However, I wonder if it doesn't result in having to keep track of which side is still cleated when when making adjustments? There is an advantage to having only one sheet to worry about. Interested in your viewpoints.

Typhoon dual mainsheet.jpg

[mgphl52]

Another way to rig that is with the ends spliced together so it's and endless loop and you can trim either side to your hearts content...

[Gary H]

Perhaps a bit to get used to but it appears capable of doing the job of a traveler and main sheet with one less cleat.

[mgphl52]

In my opinion... all it does is allow you trim easier from either side of the cockpit... on KAYLA, I use the boom vang to allow me to "travel down" by easing the main sheet. I haven't adjusted my traveler for years! Of course the vang does not help when you want to "travel up" but I gave up that sort of racing years ago.

[MHBsailor]

It appears that this approach is necessitated to accommodate the outboard lazarette hatch to open
fully so its handle can be clipped to the pigtail on the backstay while starting the motor.
Interesting as to whether it can provide some traveler-like function. What perplexes me is that sometimes it is necessary to ease both mainsheets to ease the boom out far enough. This may be due to some binding
due to geometry. I know one TY skipper who replaced the single block hung from the end of the boom
with two single blocks. It is interesting to contemplate how the factory might have equipped these
boats if they were still in production.