Posted by Magnus Smith on April 02, 2014 at 03:33:18 user Magnus.
In Reply to: Re: A SWALLOW'S TALE posted by Roger Wardale on April 01, 2014 at 11:12:09:
I agree about the descriptions in S&A; I was wondering more about how many blocks the downhaul had (if it was a 3:1 purchase system, for example) and how they were tied off (using a peg in the thwart to act as belaying pin perhaps?).
I'd like to hear more about the mainsheet, if information is available. The article mentions it is taken past a peg in the quarter knee, but I don't see how that would run freely without a block. Or was it lodged there to take some of the strain when adjustment was not needed?
The illustration "Do you surrender?" (S&A) shows a mainsheet really well. Titty is sailing Amazon though! She's holding the sheet as it comes from the quarter knee. Can we assume Swallow was the same? I am amazed there was no purchase on that sheet...
"Under jury rig" (Swallowdale) shows a single line from boom to quarter (not to the hand).
The plan of Scarab (Picts & Martryrs) shows the sheet as a tiny rope dangling loosely from the boom, and indeed in the later "It acts as an extra sail" Dick is holding the sheet straight from the boom with a clearly outstretched arm.
It could be that a mainsheet was tied on to the transom, went through a block on the boom, and then to the hand. This would have given a 2:1 purchase, requiring less strength. Even an adult wouldn't feel at ease with the direct pull of a small lugsail on their arm for an hour.
Or were blocks simply too dear to afford?