26 S raising mainsail.

[howarda1212]

I have a new to me '94 macgregor 26s. The sails are new and have nylon beads. The first time out I was able to raise the main all but 8-12". Then I tried on shore with no wind an we were able to raise fully. Next on the water we were 16"+ inches a way and put in a reef instead of raising fully. I couldn't see any obvious snags in the track or rigging. We were powered into the wind and after various attempts we weren't able to raise it fully. Does someone have any advice?

[LakeMac26C]

First things I'd check is that you are raising the sail while the boat is pointed into the wind. Then make sure any outhaul, mainsheet, cunningham, or toping lift lines are slack then try raising it again.

[Jimmyt]

Second the main sheet and other lines slack, as suggestion by Lakemac. Also, make sure your main halyard is not twisted or otherwise run amok at the top block. It should be a straight pull from the block to the sail and straight down from the block to the cleat. Finally, is your halyard block in good shape? A bad block can give a lot of friction under load.

Happy hunting, and please report the issue when you find it.

[Be Free]

First things I'd check is that you are raising the sail while the boat is pointed into the wind. Then make sure any outhaul, mainsheet, cunningham, or toping lift lines are slack then try raising it again.

I concur in part and dissent in part.

I would recommend that the topping lift be engaged to the point where the boom is level or slightly raised.