The J/109 Class Association Forum

As bowman an newly purchased J109 we are finding our way
With limited experienced crew. Any ideas on best sequence for windward-leeward drops? A few experienced guys suggest tack retrieval line, some not.
On successful drops, our pit boy pulls kite down hatch and leaves it sitting as dropped. On 50% of next hoists, we get a twist, and bowman (me) gets blame for screw up.., arguing a controlled drop should eliminate a twist on next hoist.
To what degree should pit boy flake kite below to ensure no cross over on next hoist?
What is best way to avoid twists on hoists.

Best way to avoid twists: lightweight sewer should run the tape from tack to head and take out any twist she finds. Twists along foot don't matter, they come out easily. Takes about 2 minutes. Easier to go from bottom to top because less fabric to deal with as the twist moves up the sail.

Our bowman is as good as any. He does best when there's a tack retrieval line, especially in a breeze, because it makes the windward takedown much easier and allows the sewer to provide some extra muscle. Sewer must clear the retrieval line and arrange the sail so that, though the tack came in first, it must go out first too. That means she keeps it forward of the rest of the sail while running the tape.

Mexican is best and easiest takedown on the 109, as long as the tactician has you in the right place and the skipper makes a good turn at the right moment.

Nothing on our boat is ever any one person's fault. Often, the problem on the foredeck was caused by something the tactician or skipper did, like last minute or late decision-making or inconsistent turns. But a good sewer can make everything ok!

[Posted by: Mike Brown
]