This section is devoted to the products that make cruising your sailing boat an easier and more relaxing experience.
Over the last 20 years sailing has changed enormously, and not just the hi-tech race boats.
We now take headsail furling for granted, but some of us remember when sailing any boat, racing or cruising meant frequent trips to the foredeck. Hauling the genoa down, waves pouring cold water over you, and struggling to get the new sail up and the old, wet sail down below. Now, pull a line, re-trim the jib, and everything feels good, and you have not left the cockpit.
Reefing the main took a trip to the mast, hauling on ropes, winches on the mast, the boat leaping about, and tying the main to the boom. Now, a combination of single-line reefing and lazyjacks (a Zippack makes even the stowing the sail a simple job) make this a job that can be also done entirely from the cockpit. In-mast and more recently, in-boom furling take this a stage further, and give total control over exactly how much sail you have up.
Take a look at the articles and make sure that you are not missing the sort of gear that allows for a safer and more relaxing cruising experience. |