I completed my second solo sail on sakina yesterday and noticed that on starboard tack (photo), the topping lift was lose and did not touch the sail however on port tack, the sail was resting against the topping lift and only in a strong gust would get forced past the topping lift. Do I need to losen the topping life in such situation?
Dan Mills
NS30U #460 sakina
West River, MD
Yes
Once the sail is raised, loosen the topping lift ,so it is loose on all tacks at all times. Remember to tighten before you lower the sail.
David Ashline
NS 26
Albany/Mayfield, NY
Daniel
Yes I think the sail should be holding up the clew and the topping lift should not be tight.
Brian Cayer
Spirit~Wind
N30U 419
Westbrook, Ct
What Brian said.
Once the sail’s raised, it’s supporting the boom. The topping lift should be eased enough to ensure it doesn’t interfere with the sail when changing tacks (but not so much that it can find other things to tangle with).
Similarly, you want to make sure that your reefing lines are loose enough to permit the sail to be fully raised, but no looser than that (so they don’t tangle). It looks in your picture like your forward first reef line may be a bit tight, causing the sail to scallop between the first reef tack and the bottom of the sail.
– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch e26U #233
Marina del Rey, California
Hit the send button too quickly – meant to add congrats on a really nice looking boat and sail.
– Bob
Thank you; super helpful.
Dan
However, going downwind, you can put some tension on the topping lift to increase draft. I believe this is covered in the original instructions.
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
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[/details]There’s a series of articles available via the INA website about “Sailing the Nonsuch” It also talks about use of the topping lift in light air conditions.
Check it out; very informative.
