Lazy Jacks

I used to avoid using the mainsail when I sailed single-handed because it required me to leave the cockpit to undo the sail ties that keep the mainsail tethered to the boom and again to gather the sail and tie it down when I lowered it.

I finally decided to make my own set of lazy jacks to help me gather the sail so that I can handle the mainsail easily single-handed.  They're relatively simple to construct. All you need is about 100' of small diameter line, some slip rings, and a few small blocks (pulleys).

This is a commercial version

The most difficult part is mounting the blocks up on the spreader.  I enlisted the help of dock-mate, Roger Brown to hoist me up to the spreader in a bosun's chair.  I was barely 3' over the boom when Roger announced that he wasn't comfortable with the procedure.  That's all the excuse I needed to call it quits and seek another alternative. 

I called Mark, the rigger, at SailCraft Boatyard and made an appointment to bring 6KG over to have him install the blocks. Using the bucket lift, it took Mark only 15 minutes to drill the spreader, install the small blocks and run the lazy jack lines thru them.  A bargain at twice the price.

I tied the lines for each side to a slip ring forward of the mast and then ran a single line back to a cam cleat mounted by the halyard winch.  This allows me to slack off the lazy jacks and avoid the problem of the sail battens getting caught up in the lazy jacks when I raise the main.   

Now, when I'm at the dock, preparing to go out sailing, the lazy jacks will hold the mainsail in place after I remove the sail ties.  When I get out on the river and turn into the wind, all I have to do is lock on the autopilot and move forward in the cockpit, slack off the lazy jacks and raise the main.  It's a piece of cake.

When it's time to call it a day, I raise the lazy jacks, turn into the wind and drop the main.  The sail is nicely contained by the lazy jacks and I can deal with it later when I return to the dock.

Another advantage to bringing the line back to the cockpit is that when I put the sail cover on, I simply pull the lazy jack lines forward, parallel to the boom and wrap the line around the mast winches.  No need to have slots cut in the mainsail cover to accommodate the lines.

Counting the rigger fee of $20, the entire system cost me less than $50 and has been a huge success.

Rarely do I go out sailing and not use the mainsail.