Ep 53: Lowering Main Single Handed

NOTE: This video was shot in calm weather to establish the steps and routine of the manoeuvre. In heavier weather the procedure is slightly modified to suit the conditions. Welcome to Episode 53 of Carpe Diem Sailing. In this video I go over the steps for lowering and flaking the mainsail single handed, with an emphasis on safety and efficiency. I do not have lazy jacks but for bigger boats, especially those with centre cockpits with full enclosures they can be handy. NOTE: This video was shot in calm weather to establish the steps and routine of the manoeuvre in heavier weather the procedure is slightly modified to suit the conditions.

SHOWNOTES

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CARPE DIEM SAIL TRAINING

LEARN TO SAIL PLAYLIST

[AW]

Seems to me that to be optimally rigged for single-handing, a "Dutchman" system might be recommended (for those who do not like lazy jacks & stack packs) to ensure that the sail flakes correctly as it is dropped. Sail-ties can then be used to clean up the bunt.

[markberger]

Thanks, what would you do different in a rising gale ?
I note you were not clipped on, is there a reason for that?

[gtrim]

As a music teacher for over 30 years, I appreciate your efficient, concise method of teaching. I purchased my first boat (a Westsail 28) a few years back, & have been learning to sail single hand. I find your videos are more informative, & have helped me more than any book, video or even instructor so far. Thank you so much!

[beershortage]

i wish you created this video in more challenging conditions, 20knots plus.

[walterstafford]

How about lazy jacks to aid in flaking? Also would keep the sail in place if there is a breeze blowing.

[mrwrapper]

Just one comment would be do occasional traffic checks!

[normabaker]

I recently purchased a new mainsail for my Catalina 22. It has different type of slugs and unlike my old sail doesn't smoothly drop down. I need to go up and tug it down. I have heard of a line to pull it down ?dowsing? line., but have never seen one rigged . Just what I need, another line. Any advice or source for looking at this? Thanks so much. I have learned a lot from you channel.

[peterblakeney]

I watch a lot of sailing channel’s, but yours is by far the most informative 👍

[alwaysforward_WYO]

Judging by some of the comments on here I think I may in the minority of people who dislike lazy jacks on a small boat. As with most things in life, there are various options and opinions. Keep up the good work.

[bradhallam]

You just need lazy jacks and a rigid vang to make things much simpler, and safer. This would be impossible if there was any breeze.

[RichardChambers]

Some useful tips there, thanks. Looks like you might has well not have the halyard run back to the cockpit in your case, seems more useful for those with stack packs and lazy jacks.

[hourtravellers]

We're newbies, how come you lowered the main sail and then had to pull it back up & lower it again?

[AntonioSanchez-tzcl]

Good tip for flaking the sail ! Thank you

[lancegrenzeback]

Lazy jacks! Your approach is commendable, but the sequence of lowering, raising and lowering again, with multiple trips from the cockpit to the mast winch, could be challenging if the wind were blowing and the sea state rough. A set of lazy jacks to contain the sail and a single, temporary sail tie from the cockpit would be safer. The main sail can always be re-flaked and tied when you are anchored or (wind direction permitting) berthed.

[jaekn]

These are great, thank you so much for the invaluable free info! However, I always have to check my audio for these videos, it only seems to play out of the left speaker :D

[charleslassiter]

wounderful channel much aprechaited for sharing your thoughts and knowladge on sailing

[danielhinich]

Great video. Thanks. Learned some stuff that will come in handy as I am doing more single handed. Ignore any nit-picking know-it-alls.

[spaceoddity]

who is stearing that boat? the autopilot? Try doing this without autopiolet or engine in high winds

[greggron]

Thanks - very useful video.

I have a 25 footer with no lazy jacks and this is exactly what I do apart from I have the topping lift to led to the cockpit so I can raise the boom from there. The main halyard is at the mast. My sail is new so quite stiff and the slugs have yet to wear in despite lube. So, I need to pull the main down, flaking the luff as I go allowing the leach to take care of itself. A downhaul is not necessary as it's another line and hauling that while flaking would require a bit of a juggle. In a blow, I simply get the main down and get a sail tie on soonest about mid way along the boom. I can tidy up at my leisure and more safely at anchor or on my mooring. Lazy jacks are an unnecessary complication in my experience on my length of vessel and only add great convenience when the main drops easily under it's own weight.

As for those who are commenting around safety, traffic checks, jackstays etc. at what point must those people accept that a person in charge of a sailboat, especially the solo sailor must at some point engage brain and apply some common sense around their risk assessment? In my humble view, and as reflected through the ages, first and foremost, a sailor is responsible for their vessel and own safety, and a skipper for the safety of the crew. You don't get that from a dumbed down video but from experience.

[yangyang]

honestly in such no wind conditions, whatever ways all work. more educational/useful would be a demonstration of how you do this in at least 15 knots wind