Hi Swifties,
like to read your correspondence though we have delayed our North Germany
Swift projects due to other responsibilities.
Here is just a little input regarding the discussion about ratchet blocks:
I have sailed an RS700 a couple times (though before I had never done
trapezing). My first impression had been: Why is here no ratchet block on
the gennaker sheet. Early on I realized that it would be better without
ratchet. Maybe because I was going out only in wind up to 4 Bft with
Gennaker sheeted from my hand. Main cleated in. On one occasion I had put
the sheet between my teeth and I am still suffering from it. The middle
bottom tooth came loose and will never be as before. (maybe with a little
epoxy, ho). I would rather fit the self adjusting ratchet blocks from
Harken. I use them on my Bull7000 now for both jib and Gennaker and it makes
for much better manouvers. Neat little blocks they are. Maybe Ronstan has
developed similar equipment. Conclusion: Do not hold the gennaker sheet with
your teeth. A sudden pull (as there is only direct load, no purchase) can
pull your teeth. For jibing you need a non-ratcheting block. You also need
the Musto strop on your gennaker clew for easy jibing the genny around the
headstay. smooth sailing. Manfred
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