This page describes:
- Why I did it.
This was done after trying several other attchment methods. I generally used the bowline method but also used the “Cow” hitch on a double ended sheet. I had experimented with a snap shackle for a short time. But when the shackle accidentally snapped onto the forward lower shroud during a tack in high winds, I decided then that I would not make that mistake again. So I changed to a standard shackle with a captive pin. I had a crew member tell me that he did not feel comfortable on the foredeck with “that thing” flailing around. Later that day the shackle hit hard against one of my one inch diameter thick walled PVC shroud covers. It broke the PVC leaving a jagged edge exposed. I was able to tape the PVC back together with duct tape. My crew member said “Is that how you would have fixed my head if ‘that thing’ had cracked my skull?”. I removed the shackle right then and there and went back to the cow hitch method.
- How I attach my jib sheet to the jib clew.
My jib sheets are a continuous line doubled in the center with an overhand knot securing it from slipping. I push the doubled end (bite) through the jib clew and secure it by slipping a short length of larger line through the bite. The short length of larger line is a piece of 7/16 Sta-Set X which is sewn firmly onto the sheet. It is about eight inches long and extends about three inches past the end (bite) of the sheet. Once it is passed through the bite, it is tucked into a small pocket sewn into the jib next to the clew. The pocket keeps the end from snagging on things and helps to hold it in place. The tension on the sheet pulling against the short length of line secures the sheet to the clew. The short line is tapered on both ende to reduce the risk of it snagging and it is sewn as close to the end of the sheet as I could and still have enough flexibility to be able to easily slip it through the bite. The animation below does not show how close it is sewn to the end of the sheet (sorry!).
- Where I purchased the materials necessary.
I bought the 1/4” Sta-Set sheets from SailNet The short length of Sta-Set X was left over from other jobs and was also purchased from SailNet. I bought sewing needles twine and cloth for the pocket at the local West Marine.
- Here is an animation of how this works.
- Here is a picture of the sheet attached to the clew.
|
