Traveler advise please?

[GreenLake]

Your split mainsheet will exert sideways force to the extent that one of the split ends is unloaded, so the other end takes over. Unlike the case of my first rig, there's no longer a requirement that both sides pull equally.
The block would not have to be far off center to unload one of the ends completely.

However, when you look at it, the minute the boom is at center, the two split ends have the same length and start to both pull. So the true center is probably also not reached, but I be happy to believe that you can get a bit closer.

Phill's rig (running/fixed triangle + end-book tackle) also allows one side to take more pull than the other (whenever the free running triangle is turned into a fixed one by hooking the knot over the hook under the transom). The one difference compared to the split mainsheet is that the latter changes geometry in a different way as the end of the boom rises: you simply get a taller triangle, whereas with a fixed triangle you end up with the end-boom tackle adding some distance to leeward.

However, with Phill's rig, you could add additional hooks under your transom and pull the lower end of the tackle to windward, or use some other arrangement that lets you adjust that triangle.

The question is, can the DS be sailed effectively with the main sheeted that far in? If yes, then your search for a solution in that direction makes sense, if not, perhaps it's simple not an issue.

[K.C. Walker]

':shock:' Hmm… That's an interesting variation on the rig

KC

[guido]

A bit of searching came up with this article complete with pictures.

http://www.arlingtonyachtclub.org/Fleet ... velers.htm

Perhaps this will let us visualize what the different options are...

[Baysailer]

See the link for an interesting variation on the bridle traveller.

http://www.sailfd.org/USA/trapeze/trap59feature.html

[Mike Gillum]

KISS! Keep It Simple S@#$%^! The Snipe style split bridle Mainsheet does away with the cleats, hardware, additional strings, clutter and expense that goes along with the Crosby Rig and Mid-Boom Traveler systems. The Boomvang now acts as your Traveler to hold the boom in a horizontal position as well as increasing or decreasing twist in the Leech of the Main. The Snipe style split bridle Mainsheet self-centers the Boom and I can't see a condition where you would want the boom to weather of centerline at any time.

[guido]

Do you ever feel underpowered with the 1:1 mainsheet?

[Mike Gillum]

The Mainsheet is only pulling the Boom laterally and not vertically using the Boomvang. The Boomvang is holding the boom down rather than the Mainsheet. I have a Harken 57mm Carbo Ratchamatic (autoratchet) Block on Boom over Mainsheet Base that also has a Harken HK-019 Hexaratchet Block on it. It has more to do with tennis elbow that'll flair-up otherwise from too many years of Laser racing as a teenager! I think the Ratchet Blocks have a 12:1 holding power.