GRAMPIAN 34 Owner's Manual page 10

9.
Topping Lift
As was me ntioned earlier all Grampians come equipped with a topping lift. In
a ddition to supporting the boom when the sail is down, the topping lift is used in
conjunction with the boom to support a boom tent. On the Grampian 20, 23 and
26 the topping lift is a short wire suspended from the backstay. On other models
it is a separate wire which extends from the mast.
Downhaul
The downhaul adjustment is made by attaching the downhaul line with a shackle
to an eye about 12 inches from the foot of the mast. This line is then run up to a
s ingle block which should be attached to the gooseneck unit. The line is then
lead back t o a cleat opposite the eye where the line is made fast.
T ension should be placed on the downhaul until the small wrinkles in the luff
disappear. Downhaul tension can be used to adjust the position of the draft of the
sail. Additional tension will move the draft forward, while easing of tension will
move the draft aft. Generally the draft should be maintained about midpoint.
Outhaul
Outhaul tension is added until the small vertical lines in the foot of the sail
disappear. If additional flattening of the foot of the sail is required, tighten the
outhaul. Generally the foot is flattened more as the velocity of the wind increases.
Lowering the Sails
Sails should be lowered in the reverse order to the way in which they were
raised. Jib sails should be lowered and secured on the fore-deck by means of a
sail-tie. This will keep the sail on the deck until it can be safely and easily stored
below deck or on-shore. This sail should be lowered as the boat is headed into
the wind.
The mainsail should be lowered last and only after the engine has been started
and has been running for a few minutes. It is not critical to do this when there is
m inimal wind, but it is a definite necessity when the wind is blowing and a good
practise a t all times. It is especially a good idea when the boat is crewed by
in experienced people.
The mainsail can be lowered and allowed to rest on the boom. (Ensure that the
topping lift is attached before lowering the main.) One or two sail ties will secure
it to the boom until it can be properly folded and covered at the dock. The
mainsail can be flaked over the boom with the plastic slides left in the mast luff
track. Obviously this will speed up and facilitate the easy raising of the sails on
the next sailing day, but it is a practise which can wear out sails quicker.
It is recommended that the mainsail be rolled. This is achieved by starting at the
headboard and rolling along the luff of the sail. A crew member must assist by
rolling the leech at the same time. In order to keep the sail flat and not bunched
up, pull the sail cloth between the leech and the luff every couple of turns.
Support the rolled main to the boom by loosely tied sail ties. By rolling the
mainsail the way a rug would be rolled, it will not have an y folds in it and the cloth