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And at the other end of the wind spectrum – in gusty conditions it’s so easy to de-power the main by dropping the traveler to leeward. I think the primary objection is that very often the right place for the traveler happens to obstruct the cockpit. So perhaps its a question of priorities – does effectively sailing the boat take precedence? I think it should.
Hi Rich,
Good point that a traveler is also useful in gusty conditions, although I suspect very few cruisers will play it to that level. Also it is possible to achieve the same effect with a good vang and the mainsheet, without a traveler, racers call this “vang sheeting”, but there is no way to get proper trim in light, or even moderate breeze, without a traveler.
As to traveler positioning we have a chapter on deck layouts that delves deeper: https://www.morganscloud.com/2020/08/28/sailboat-deck-layouts-and-the-outbound-46-part-1/
How does a dual mainsheet system work, like on the Boreal? To me (i’ve never tried it), it seems you should be able to get the right sheeting angle and tension by playing with the windward and leeward sheet tension, but less smooth for dropping it in a gust for example, though the vang sheeting could work.
Hi Arne,
If I remember correctly, the system on the Boreal is duel ended, but which end you trim makes no difference to the trim of the sail, so there is still no way to properly trim the sail for upwind work in light air. That is somewhat ameliorated by the high anchor point on the dog house, but a short track would be better. That said, I get why Boreal have made the decisions they have—all boats are compromises.