I am playing with an idea to "simplify" the rigging/sailing process and would appreciate some input. My 1982 C16 currently has two sets of cleats for the two headsails (standard jib and a 135 genoa). The jib cleats are at the front of the cockpit and the genoa cleats are located on the coaming about 3/4 of the way back. I know that the genoa needs the rear set of cleats for proper alignment, but what would happen if I used the rear cleats for BOTH sails. This could allow me to use one set of sheets for both headsails. Anyone try something like this?
will, i think you have to use the cleats on the cabin top for the 110 jib so you can sheet the jib in for upwind work. the genny is cut different and needs the cleats astern basically for off the wind work such as a reach or a run.
The angle for cleating the smaller jib needs to be forward so the proper tension for the best performance can be achieved, but it cost nothing to try it...nies
Might try running the longer sheets (attached to the jib) through new fairleads located where the current jib cleats reside. Might even be able to jury rig a couple of small blocks to the current cleats with some line just to see what would happen if longer sheets for the jib ran first through fairleads/blocks, then on to the aft cleats. Have no idea if this would work, but worth a try as one method to retain the proper sheet angle for the jib while allowing you to handle a single set of sheets from the rear cleats. Of course, when changing the longer sheets back to the genoa, the new fairleads/blocks would be ignored.
Jett