principles are the same.
Before hoisting the genoa – on a calm day - check that the forestay is tight; if it is slack,
problems will occur. Shackle the halyard to the top mounting of the top swivel of the furling kit,
feed the head of the genoa into the sail track and shackle it to the lower mounting of the top
swivel. Haul on the genoa halyard whilst a second pair of hand feeds the sail. When fully hoisted,
shackle the foot of the sail to the mounting on the lower drum. Apply as much tension as possible
to the halyard, and make it off on a cleat on the mast.
The next task is to get the reefing line – assuming it is a single line – wound onto the drum. Roll
the genoa around the foil by twisting the foil, so that the sail is wound as tightly as possible, with
the UV strip on the outside of the bundle. Put a tie around it. Connect the reefing line to the
drum and twist the bundle to put lots of turns on the drum. Some careful thinking is required to
determine the correct direction of twist!! Connect the genoa sheets to the clew of the genoa and
then test the unfurling/furling action, keeping slight tension on the genoa sheets. If the genoa
won’t furl completely, you will need to remove the sheets and put a few more turns on the drum.
Engine
Your engine could be an outboard, or an inboard diesel or petrol, sail drive or shaft drive – the
latter is not common. It is difficult to offer any advice with such a wide range of possible motors.
The following pointers are largely obvious. Before going afloat, or leaving the mooring or
pontoon, ensure that:
•
for inboard engines, the cooling water inlet valve is open, and that water is emerging from
the exhaust when the engine is run
•
for outboard engines, the vent screw on the top of the tank is open, and that water is
emerging from the tell-tale tube when the engine is run
•
you have plenty of fuel
•
the propeller turns when a gear is selected
Miscellaneous
Before going afloat, or leaving the mooring or pontoon, ensure that:
•
you have a list of all the things you should do/check – and do, or check them
•
all seacocks (except the engine cooling water intake) are shut, and that the log impeller,
or the log blanking cap or plug, is in place.
•
any gas supply is turned off at the cylinder
•
you have a serviceable boathook – preferably two
•
you and your crew are wearing buoyancy aids
•
the VHF radio works
•
you are flying your ensign – and of course, your LOA pennant
from the starboard spreader.
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