Couple of Newbie questions

[Joe L.]

I put the main sail on this weekend (and even raised it briefly for the fun of it) and there's a couple of things I'm not sure about. My sailing book doesn't say what to do with the boom topping lift when the main is up (probably because it's too basic). I assume that you detatch it, but then what? My boom topping lift is a cable that runs from the boom to the top of the mast, do I unclip it and just clip it to the backstay until the main is lowered (or do you even undo it at all)?

Also, there are two lines attatched to the tack of my main sail like they are jib sheets (about five feet long), what are these for?

Thanks for the info.

Joe L.
bob CD25
Bristol, RI



jl0246@alpha.rwu.edu

[Eric]

The topping lift should just hang slack when the main is up (don't have to do anything). If it's still supporting the boom with the main up, then you have the lift too tight.

I can't picture what you mean about the lines on the main that look like jib sheets. Could you provide more detail? My guess is it's part of a reefing setup.

ew

I put the main sail on this weekend (and even raised it briefly for the fun of it) and there's a couple of things I'm not sure about. My sailing book doesn't say what to do with the boom topping lift when the main is up (probably because it's too basic). I assume that you detatch it, but then what? My boom topping lift is a cable that runs from the boom to the top of the mast, do I unclip it and just clip it to the backstay until the main is lowered (or do you even undo it at all)?

Also, there are two lines attatched to the tack of my main sail like they are jib sheets (about five feet long), what are these for?

Thanks for the info.

Joe L.
bob CD25
Bristol, RI