What does the downhaul do on a sailboat?
What does the downhaul do on a sailboat?
A downhaul is a common term used in reference to a rope, which is usually a part of the rigging on a boat, that is used to haul down or to assist in hauling down a sail. With it, a downward force is applied on the spar or sail. It is common for this rope to be attached to the spinnaker pole.
What is the difference between a Cunningham and a downhaul?
The cunningham differs from a typical downhaul in the way that it attaches to the sail. It is then passed through a cringle in the luff of the sail near the foot, but above the tack, and then led down on the other side to a fitting on the mast or boom or on deck.
What is a Cunningham on a sailboat?
The cunningham controls the fore and aft position of draft in the mainsail or genoa and works together with the traveler, mainsheet, outhaul and vang to optimize sail shape and increase boatspeed. Cunningham controls lead to the crew to encourage adjustment as wind speed changes.
What does downhaul mean?
Definition of downhaul : a rope or line for hauling down or holding down a sail or spar.
What is the purpose of a boom vang?
The vang allows vertical adjustment of the boom, and is an extremely important tool to shape the main for speed. Tension the vang to tighten the leech, flatten the sail and bend the mast. Cruisers use the vang to keep the boom from rising when sailing downwind and abraiding the main.
What is a downhaul line for a sailboat?
If you don’t have a headsail furler, a downhaul line is one of the easiest and least expensive control lines that you can add to your sailboat. It adds major convenience and safety for around $30. The line can be used with any size jib or genoa.
What is running rigging on a sailboat?
Running rigging consists of the main and jib sheet, the boom vang, the downhaul, and the jib halyard. The subdivision of running rigging concerns the jeers, lifts, and halyards (halyards). This supporting equipment raises or lowers the sails and also controls the lower corners of the sails, i.e. the tacks and sheets.
What is a boom downhaul on a sail?
A boom downhaul works like a Cunningham by tightening the luff of the mainsail to flatten it and to move the belly of the mainsail toward the mast, which improves its aerodynamics and reduces heel. It helps most in moderate to heavy winds and can make a significant difference in the sail shape.
How often do you adjust your mainsail?
Most racers adjust it whenever wind conditions change. This project is a true boom downhaul that makes it so easy to trim from the cockpit, even while under sail, that it can become a regular part of trimming the mainsail.
