Winches or other spin sheet ideas?

[Kuy]

Any ideas about how to handle spin sheets in heavy airs when there are crew hand-strength issues involved?  We're loving our first season on the U20, and as we venture out into bigger stuff, there are problems holding the spin sheet.  I'm not a fan of cleeting the spin sheet, though that seems to be the preferred solution right now...

I've been wondering about mounting a small winch, to allow for a wrap of the sheets when it's really blowing.  This seems a bit overkill; and I'm also wondering about deck strength (where to mount?) and class rules.

Thanks!

Kuy

PS - thanks to all who were involved in getting us up and running on Mauri Pro Sailing.  Nice!

[Keith Ziegler]

Kuy,

  Question to you, do you have the rachets turned on on the blocks? We don't really have a problem once the boat gets up on plane and the sheet unloads. My crew is crazy enough that I am the one telling them to get the kite down once the wind gets up to stupid crazy.

Keith
#173

[Mark Allen]

Another idea would be to change the rear blocks to ratcheting blocks so the line goes through 2 ratchets instead of one. Turn them on and of as wind strength builds.

[Jay Harland]

Kuy,

On Madison, we sail with auto ratchets on the stern blocks; this one way to implement Mark Allen's suggestion.  These are from Harken. We set them to the "max spring setting" with the hex key. This setting requires the most wind load on the sheet before the auto ratchet will kick on (usually about 6-7kts).  From 0-18 kts, we just run off the rear auto-ratchets with the ratchet mechanism engaging based upon the sheet load.  Over 18 knots, we put the turning block ratchets on as well so the sheet has an in-line double ratchet.  This provides a light sheet with finger tip control in 18kts and we have had it out in 25kts no problems  (I believe this is the same configuration that the Melges 24s have gone to as well).   

Occasionally, in a jibe or douse the released sheet will get snagged and this will load the sheet and turn the stern auto-ratchet on which is annoying, but once it happens a couple times you know that is happening and quick flick of the sheet up will get it running again.  This is the only downside I have experienced with this configuration.  In up and down conditions that are 5-9kts it is nice because the ratchet will turn on and off automatically without having to move around the boat.

Jay