Can't Fully Raise the Main

[kingtoros]

So last year I ordered, received and tested the performance flat top from BWY in what was a harrowing wind condition. Boat, sails, crew and everything performed admirably.

First time out this year and in much better conditions... We couldn't rise the main all the way. Last year it was my fault because I used a bowline instead of a halyard knot. The knot is perfect, but I still only ot about six inches from the top. See photo.

Now, I suspect I did a couple of things wrong including helmsman whose brain confused port/starboard and would take us out of irons while trying to raise the main. Noted for the future.

But also, had the boom vang on and tensioned, which maybe didn't help? I tried loosening the foot by disengaging the clew a bit. The only thing I thought of after derigging is maybe using the winch?

What do you think?

PS- sorry for the graininess of the photo. The flight operations director missed the landing zone on the foredeck and an unplanned water landing ensued. So the local cache is all I have from this trip

[NiceAft]

Toros,

When raising the main, I always lessen any downward pull on the leech by significantly raising the boom with my topping lift. This prevents any lateral pull on the head, which in turn, allows maximum vertical pull up the mast. I too had some difficulty in getting my flat head main to rise the last six inches or so. This was my solution.

Please give our regards to Amy and Elara.

[kingtoros]

Hey Ray!

Great to hear from you! Using the topping lift to raise the leech and reduce pressure on the luff wasn't something I thought of. Will try that this weekend!

Here we are on the sail from yesterday with my buddy Randy on the Helm. All the best to you and Natalie!

-Toros

[Stickinthemud57]

Bummer about the drone. Were you able to recover it at all?

If I have trouble raising my mainsail it is usually because I forget to uncleat the main sheet. The vang could definitely be playing a role.

Were this my problem to troubleshoot, I would start by taking the halyard off the mainsail, attaching a long rope to it (so you can pull it back down) and pulling the halyard up as though you are raising the sail. If you don't encounter any resistance, then the problem is with the sail.

Sometimes sail slugs will jam. SailKote is a good solution to this problem, but is best applied to the slug slot when it is horizontal with the slot down. Once the mast is raised, spray some on the slugs just before you raise the sail.

When you are ready to raise the sail, be sure you are headed into the wind. Otherwise, the battens may hang on the spreaders. As mentioned before, be sure the mainsheet is uncleated and slack. I have never had to adjust the topping lift, but that is not a bad idea.

[kingtoros]

Bummer about the drone. Were you able to recover it at all?

It sank so fast by the time I saw it hit the port side and stood up to watch it go in, it was gone. I got it in 2019, that's a pretty long run for me and electronics

The main sheet was loose, I made that mistake before on another boat

Thanks for the tips on running a line up, I was thinking about testing on land, mast on the ground, but I am pretty sure I have done that and it's a pain. Your suggestion is much simpler. Thanks too for the SailKote idea, didn't know that was a thing. It doesn't damage the fiberglass or cloth it comes in contact with?

[Stickinthemud57]

Oh well, too bad. Have to salute your attitude though. I have been flying a DJI Air2s for business (home inspector) and fun for about a year now, and I would much lament its untimely loss.

SailKote advertises itself as the only formulation designed for use on sails. I have used it on my Dacron and LiteSkin sails with no sign of discoloration or other issues.

[Be Free]

I don't want to jump to conclusions based on one picture, but I don't see any wrinkles in your sail in the picture you posted. If there is not a wrinkle in the luff then the sail is as tight as it can get. Do you have more than one attachment point for your tack? Is it possible that you have connected it too low?

[kingtoros]

Valid questions Bill, I believe there is more than one connection, yes. I will take a photo and share. However, the bottom most is where I attach.

The picture is too grainy to show, and to be fair, we got most of them out. But at the bottom between the slugs it pillows out at the mast. I will take some photos from the cockpit this Saturday if unable to resolve.

Oh well, too bad. Have to salute your attitude though. I have been flying a DJI Air2s for business (home inspector) and fun for about a year now, and I would much lament its untimely loss.

It was a DJI Spark, that I only use to chek the gutters and take pictures of the boat lol. Found an ebay seller for an aircraft only for less than $150. Like your signature says about inner peace, it's just a little cash gone. Nobody hurt, only a cash redirection.

[Be Free]

If you had extra luff then the sail was not fully raised or the clew was connected too high.

[kingtoros]

For closure, it was 100% the boom vang. I left it completely disconnected and was able to raise the main without nearly any tension.

I still plan to pickup some Sailkote to help.

[Be Free]

Thanks for reporting back in. I love a good mystery. There is always an opportunity to learn something.

[Stickinthemud57]

Good to know you got it worked out!