Main sheet setup

[John Stevens]

My boat has a line that connect to each side of the transom. The main sheet connects to that line with a block that slides port and starboard on that line. If the winds are light how do I get the block (boom) to stay on the windward side?

TIA,

John

[shawn]

That is a somple traveler set up and there isn't a way in it's present form to keep it to windward. On more complex systems there is a system to pull the block to windward. I was never a fan of what you have because just as you have found out you can't sheet in to the centerline. I use a stainless wire with a fixed block in the center about 18" above the transom. With this you can sheet in pretty close to the centerline without excessive downforce on the leech of the sail and it's still very simple. I do have the boat setup for an adjustable outhaul with just a few changes though. There is a rigging guide under the technical info topic above and you can check out the galleries for other people's solutions.

Good Luck,
Shawn

[Bob Hunkins]

Take a look at this article on travelers.
http://daysailer.org/pdf/qtr_TravelerSystemsV38_1.pdf

[John Stevens]

Thanks,

John