Thursday 30 April 2015

The benefits of self-tacking headsails

Sailing is all about smartness. We, the sail makers and sailing hardware innovators always brainstorm on how to make things simpler. A self-tacking headsail is highly recommended for those who love to sail alone or for yachts that have limited number of crew members.
Without self-tacking, your crew will have to take one jib-sheet off and wind the other.


Now that’s not so easy for those who are new to sailing. By using the self-tacked headsails you can cut the hassles.


How it works 


A self-tacked headsail has one jib sheet and the hardware installation is so done that when needed you can automate the process. 


The jib-sheet will move from the clew to the stand-up block that is mounted on the self-tracker track. The sheet will then be back down inside the mast and will go back to the winch. 


It will be like sliding from one side to the other on its own.  


Benefits


Any kind of automation does come with a set of benefits and there’s no exception with a self-tacker. 


  • You can move the headsail in no time without keeping any crew member engaged with the process.
  • If you are sailing alone then you must have a self-tacker.
  • If you have a yacht boat full of inexperienced crew members, you won’t have to train them or scratch your head to make them learn how to move the headsail.
  • For small family yacht sailing, a self-tacker is highly helpful. One of the adults can keep an eye on the children while the other will keep the boat running.
  • With a self-tacker you can make your headsail last longer since there’s no chance of getting it caught on the guard rails.
  • You won’t have to ask your friends or crew to move out so that you can grind the winches.

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