Continued Discussion about Brent's Rig

[Joe Nelson CS#35]

Brent,

I like the mizzen sheet system that you used!  Did you use the standard 3/8 line for the sheet?  What did you use for the block and cleat at the base of the mast? Does the cleat rotate?  If possible give brand and item numbers or maybe another close up pic of that area.    Prying eyes want to know!

Did you put stops at the top of your tracks?

Thanks!!!

[Brent]

The mizzen cleat is a Ronstan RF5 - a cam cleat on a swiveling base.  See West Marine number 545046.  There are several devices out there that would work, but this is what I used. For the mizzen sheet I went with 5/16" line in a quality yacht braid - still easy in the hand and plenty strong.

Stoppers are not really needed at the top of the mast - let the track run far enough up to the top block or sheave that  when the sail is fully hoisted the sail slugs are still on the track. 

Note that when the breeze picks up the first "reef" is to lower the sails on the tracks to the lowest possible position - lowering the center of effort - without actually reducing sail area.  An additional benefit of this move is that it increases the downward angle on the sprits making it easier to get a nice firm leach on the sail - perfect for good sail performance as the wind builds.  Run the main track to within about 3" of the deck  - just enough to get the sail slug on the track.  Allow enough track to run the mizzen as low as you can get while still being able to duck under it for a tack. 

You will want some sort of stop at the bottom of the track to keep the sail from sliding off the track while lowered.  I tried several things - but ended up with a simple bungie cord snug around each mast - works great.

[Joe Nelson CS#35]

Thanks Brent...this really helps to cement the process and issues in my project.