Crew Duties: Main
Area of Responsibility:
In the cockpit between the two traveler lines.
Controls
Main Sheet
Port and Starboard Traveler Lines
Boom Vang.
Outhaul (Command Mast crew to adjust the line on the boom.) Boom safety (Command Mast to sit on the boom when sailing downwind.)
Expectations
The shape and position of the Main Sail is your baby. Predict the boat’s course and trim the sail autonomously. Adjust the shape of the main sail using the Main Sheet and Boom Vang. Adjust the angle of the sail to the wind using the Traveler Lines. (See the blue tape on the solar panel bimini for reference when going hard on the wind.) Adjust the belly in the sail using the Outhaul.
Examples:
Rounding the upwind mark:
Racing upwind requires tight sails, then as we round the mark we will bear off downwind without tacking. All we have to do is slack the sails for best trim.
Helm: “Here comes the mark… aaaaand bearing off!”
Main: Traveler all the way down, then slack the main sheet until the sail fabric touches the shrouds. Finally, adjust the belly of the sail with the Boom Vang. Done.
Gybing:
Helm: “Prepare to gybe!”
Main: Center the traveler and tighten the mainsheet halfway to prevent slamming the boom. Ensure both travelers are slack-free and locked.
Main, Jibs: “Ready!”
Helm: “Gybe ho!”
Main: Wait for the boom to bang to the leeward side, then immediately move the traveler down and slack the main sheet until touching the shrouds.