International Telstar Owners Association

When we are sailing in light winds and need to tack, our bowline knots that attach the sheets to the sail sometimes get caught. Anyone have a way to avoid having to get up and go towards the bow and help the sail over? Usually this only happens in winds under 5 k. Thanks,

First - maybe make the loop part of the bowline a little larger, to keep the knot part a little further away from the sail. It may not get caught that easily then.

Second, timing is important too. There are a several ways of handling the sheets when tacking (you shouldn't really have this problem on a gybe). Some people release and pull gradually as the sail's clew moves around. I tend to backwind the sail on a tack, especially in light air - to help get the bow thru the wind. Light boats and especially light multihulls tend to get into irons when the bow passes thru. There is not always enough momentum to carry them past it. Using the head sail to push the bow around will speed things up. This also worlks on a heavy boat which tends to accelerate slowly thru the tack. Tape the end of the lower spreader and put a slightly oversize shroud cover (PVC tube) around the lower portion of the shroud to act as a roller to avoid any chafe on the sail. When you do finally release and pull, do it at the same time - quickly and smoothly. Don't just let go and walk over to the other side and pull.

The above should minimize the problem, but it may not totally prevent it. The smoother the routine, the easier the tack will get around.

Thanks for the info. This year I did put the bowline further back and that helped a good deal and am getting better at not getting the sail stuck. It isn't a big problem, but more of an annoyance.

After I asked this question, I stumbled upon a unique way of attaching your sheets to the genny. You have one long sheet, fold it in half and take the open bight through the clew, then pull the ends through the bight. This knot is much smaller. I don't think this would be a problem doing it this.

I've done this before on smaller boats and it will help - but we all currently have 2 genoa sheets in good shape. Maybe when they wear out?