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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.
Hi John, I am having difficulty identifying the traveler on my boat in order to replace it. Would you know what it might be? This is the link of the photos in facebook. Please copy the link on your browser. Pardon me if the link doesnt work as it is my first time doing this. The link doesnt appear clickable here but it does on my whatapps.. Thank you.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10163682005467678&set=pcb.2482351785306949&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZUx824LcPyfKaEz06Drok8Je9x3Ke8gts5Ur7hP_VGi8lrEK3yR4vYp2W-mjKiAieM3jEZpYjls_6pwnwENPJrQW-0CEwLKqvBVt8sLnZbBJMTrzToVDWejwNGND0njUaAU_Oelm79fwOi148Th73jqPsGg0lQZp4XPb15wkQV8kbBWs33dWi_8gFBLNEh1G53tDnQRRP9FnegpCQ_mgfwm&__tn__=*bH-R
Hi Ee Kiat,
My Guess is Nicro-Fico. Here’s a way to check: https://www.rigrite.com/Travellers/NF_Travellers/NFtraveler.php
Thank you John! What do you think of this traveler system ? I am wondering if I should refurbish it or try a new system as I have never tried other system.Thank you.
Hi Ee Kiat,
The system was fine back in the day, but it’s old and the company long gone, so if it were me I would replace it before heading out voyaging. And if it were me, I would look to Harken first.
Good advice John, Thank you !