Adjusting the halyard: signs to understand how to change sail shape
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Adjusting halyards is a matter that needs to be investigated well if we are to have the right shape on the sails for every wind and wave condition. Any change in tension on the mainsail halyard or headsail halyard involves a change in grease and should therefore be weighed against the conditions in which we are sailing.
Halyards – When sails speak
The sails give two macro signals when we adjust the halyards by leaving or capping them. When there is little tension, small horizontal creases form along the infieritura. If we are sailing with little wind and wave those creases, hinted at, must be there to have a powerful sail with the right amount of fat. On the other hand, if we sail in winds above 10-12 knots, the halyard should be capped instead until the creases disappear.
Instead, the second signal that the sails give us is a vertical crease parallel to the infieritura. When it appears it means that the halyard has too much tension relative to the wind strength on the sail. It should then be left until the crease is eliminated to restore the proper shape. Even in winds above 15 knots, the halyard dicks adequately to make the horizontal creases disappear, but the vertical crease should never be created. In case the stopper in very strong winds cannot hold all the tension we give to the halyard, we can decide to lock it on self-tailing, if our boat’s winches are equipped with it. Stoppers plus self will ensure that the voltage does not drop under load.
Mauro Giuffrè
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