The standard rigging for the main sheet is a 2:1 purchase with a block on the wishbone. This results in a LOT of line. I’m curious how many have eliminated the block on the wishbone and go straight to the winch instead, to make a 1:1 purchase. Results in about half the amount of line, obviously.
I have a setup that allows me to go to a single line when I’m running in light air and then revert to the original tackle when the need arises. Sorry, the first pic was taken before the Dyneema tail was added.
The dangling tail is for retrieving the carabinier. There is a soft shackle around both lines above the carabiner to prevent it from contacting and jamming on the block.
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Hi Bob,
In my limited time with Soave ( 2 seasons ) I’ve used 2:1.
I sailed a few times on Irish Mist with Peter and he uses 1:1. Both seem like reasonable options on a NS33.
Over 16 knots I prefer 2:1…… in a downwind drifter it’s kinda frustrating seeing two lines dragging in the water. Maybe swapping is the way to go ?
My next rigging change is probably to move to dyneema for Soave’s wishbone hangers. The dyneema loops I used last season for reducing wear on cast aluminum fixtures held up well.
Rob….
I think PaulM’s “convertable” sheet rig is a great idea, but I think it really depends on your local sailing conditions. For me, above about 12 knots, I want the 2:1 and my two-speed winch. If you’re subject to suddenly increasing winds, or unexpected squalls, you may find it difficult or risky to revert back to 2:1. That said, if you’re not racing, you can always “luff up” a bit to ease the tension and sheet in. I often do this when tightening the choker. As long as your sheet is in good condition and not 10 years old, I don’t think line strength is a consideration. I think I’ll give PaulM’s setup a try next season.
Dan Weinstein
Look Farther, 30C #205
East Greenwich RI
Dan, retrieving the line isn’t hard if you do it during a tack. Singlehanded you have to be quick but if someone is at the wheel and can stall for a few seconds it is much easier.
Interesting! I’ll try this next weekend.
I used this technique today… totally works! Takes some weight off the sail and is easier to trim. I’ll definitely be setting this up for an even easier way to go from 2-1 to 1-1.
also… why is all the topping lift cascade on the end of the boom? It should be on the mast similar to the chocker. Anything to get weight off the end of the boom is a good thing!
RonB.
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@PaulM and @RonB , could share more details on the soft shackle you use to prevent the carabiner from jamming on the block?
I have 3:1 purchase on my 30C main: a single block with a becket at the wishbone, and a fiddle block at on the deck. I checked my manual, dated 4/4/79, and it describes a 5:1 purchase system where the tail leads directly from the bail on the wishbone to a cleat on the aft combing top. Whereas the 30U manual hosted on the INA website shows a 2:1 system.
I find that when trimming the main close hauled in >20kts the slow speed of the 2-speed winch is still needed even with 3:1 advantage. On the other hand, trimming at the winch (as opposed to by hand) is painfully slow and I have so much mainsheet. Maybe if I like 2:1, I’ll consider making that the default and setting up the 2:1 - 1:1 conversion system instead.
I can see the desire for faster trimming in light condition and could never imagine wanting more than 2:1 on my 30C but I’ve never found the extra line that much of a pain..
what winches do you have on the main? On Hippō I have Barient 23st’s both port and starboard. With a power ratio of 42:1 I’ve still had to grind in hard when things are frisky even with the 2:1 on the sheet.
Colle
Hippō 30C #173, Port Washington NY
Rupert, my soft shackle is just a quick and dirty one from about 1/4” Dyneema
made with a figure eight knot for a stopper. All that matters is getting the size right.
As far as purchase goes, I use my Milwaukee drill when the wind picks up.
If I’m being lazy the wind doesn’t even have to be up. 
I tied a stopper knot about 3 feet from the bitter end of the mainsheet. To go from 2/1 to 1/1 I untie the bowline from the central deck mounted block. The tail hanging from the boom in 1/1 mode allows me to grab it and retie the bowline on the deck block to go back to 2/1.
Thanks gents, both smart ideas. I do not have a drill on board yet, I must admit.