I have 16 and was out on the lake today - and tried something new (to me).
I saw a picture of a 10 inch "pendant" used on the jib. This is simply a short line which allows you to pull the jib up higher than if the jib is tacked directly to the place it is usually tacked. The purpose is to get the jib up off the deck so you can see forward.
I just took a small cord and looped it three times and tied it to make the pendant. I tacked the jib onto the pendant, and the pendant onto the foredeck. The jib was up off the deck.
Wow - such a simple thing but such a big change. You have an unobstructed view forward. It will be particularly great when I sail single-handed. It's short enough that it doesn't really affect the sail too much.
I am going to make one out of steel cable.
Ted,
Had pendants for several headsails on my previous boats and use them on homemade headsails for my Sun Cat. Properly applied they work quite well and have definite advantages over a direct tack to stemhead connection. Just don't go too high.
capt_nemo
I have one on my 19's Jib. Works great, previous owner had it setup already.
Won't put one on my 155 Genoa, but it sweeps up pretty quick so it isn't a problem.
I really like how well you can see around the Jib and glad I never had to try it the other way.
Mac
;)
I never thought of the forward visibility aspect, although that certainly makes good sense. I've always heard of foresail pendants being used on storm jibs to keep them off the deck so breaking seas on the bow could easily drain off beneath them without filling them up and carrying them away. It also gives you a handy place to grab a wildly flogging sail in a strong wind.
The pendant need not be sewn into the sail, it can simply be a short piece of non-stretch line with a shackle at each end that is left connected at the bow and to which any of the headsails can be made fast.