Hi,
I'm a new owner of an old DS1 - '68, sails #907. It's in good shape, and I've done two shakedown runs so far. Both were epic amounts of fun. The DS Kool Aid has been drunk. I've asked friends to begin calling me 'skipper' - and my wife can't believe I've joined an online forum...
I've already learned a lot from you all, but still have a few questions. Well, a ton of questions - but I'll take them in turn.
It's obvious that the boat has been well cared for, and somewhere along the way it got tricked out for racing. I'm trying to figure out which of this hardware I need and which I don't. This is going to be a family cruiser. We don't have even have a spinnaker, and that's totally fine.
There is a brass hand crank mounted on the underside of the cuddy, aft and to port of the primary cleats at the base of the mast - right where it opens into the cockpit. It tightens or loosens a wire that runs forward under the deck and comes up by the forestay. It then attaches to the jib at a smaller grommet next to the primary load bearing link at the foot.
I understand how/when I would use this feature if I were looking to maximize the boat's performance in variable conditions on different tacks. But the crank and 2" screws (!!) that hold it in place are at forehead level for my daughters. I'm WAY more interested in them being able to come and go from the cuddy without fear of facial trauma, than I am in beating that other DS over there to the next mark.
So... Am I way off here? Can't I achieve suitable tension in my jib with just the halyard? I've not seen a rig like this on other DSs.... Much obliged for any insights. I'll hold the liquid wrench till I hear.
Thanks!