Hello. I'm looking for opinions on keeping the headsail halyard tensioned even when done sailing for the day or week. I've been told to just leave the tension on the headsail all season, but not sure about keeping that much tension on the sail and halyard when not in use but wanted to get your thoughts.
Thanks.
Headsail Halyard Tension
Tue, 02/21/2023 - 09:36
#1
Headsail Halyard Tension
Hi,
We use to race our C36, there is an hydraulic back stay tensioner, so after sailing we release the tensioner and also the halyard of the foresail. Just a thought.
Eladio Vallina
C-36 TR EUREKA II
Hull 1122 (1991)
Home port Barcelona (Spain).
Thanks, Eladio and Lou.
Lou, yes, I have a headsail furler. This is a great explanation and it makes sense, I'll definitely take some tension off after sailing. Question, do you ease the halyard tension prior to or after furling? Does it even make a difference? Seem like it'd be easier once the sail is furled and I'm back in the slip. Thanks again!
Cuba,
Ease just before furling. When first unfurling the sail, leave the halyard tension as it was over night, then adjust tension on the halyard as needed for wind and point of sail. My experience is it furls a little easier that way.
Lou
Lou Bruska
Sojourn
1985 C-36 Mk-I TR #495
Eldean Shipyard
Lake Macatawa (Holland, MI) Lake Michigan
Rallyback@comcast.net
Thank you. Looking forward to trying this out. I launch in a couple weeks, I'm ready to get the season started.
I'm probably becoming lazy (or forgetful) in my senior years, but I generally run low halyard tensions on both our Genoa and Mainsail in air up to 18+ kts relative. Stiffer breezes tend to pull the sails down the tracks a bit and shapes do get sloppier. Low tension yields a a balance of decent shape on both sails and good reefing characteristics in moderate air. If we were racing, or expecting heavy air, I'd apply more tension but for simple quick day sails, low tension appears to be fine. My 2 cents.
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B