mainsheet traveller

[sam]

After racing in 25 KTS with 30+ gusts, I found the effort high on the traveller control lines. Speaking with Lewmar indicated that changing the sheaves out to ball bearing sheaves was the recommended improvement. Done and it helps. The part number from Lewmar is LEW29472970 , it is for 4 sheaves, you need eight, so order two units of that part number.
Sam

[Mike Brown]

Sam, we only got to motor sail back in October so no real experience with the traveler. I'll keep you comments in mind once we get out this spring. I'm hoping to be launched within the next few days. How did she handle in those conditions? What kind of boat speed did you see?
Mike

[sam]

Handled well. The traveller is very important. You need to be able to play it as wind strength increases, lowering to leeward. Reefing when the traveller is about a foot from center seems to be appropriate.
I saw around 8 kts. SOG in a slack current. During an offshore event in October we saw 10 SOG, but we had a supporting downcoast current.
I have really learned much over the last 9 months. Probably have 400 nm under the keel so far.

[Mike Brown]

Sam, thanks I'll keep your suggestion about when to reef in mind. I'm really looking forward to putting some miles under our keel as well. We've begun to plan our summer trips. Plus we'll be in a new marina that will allow us to visit more locations in a weekend. I'm anxious to sail her that's for sure.