Thank you for help and getting boat sail ready questions

Well after sailing with my Sunfish many I have an issue that annoys me a lot. Somebody explained me with words how to fix this issue but of course I can't remember all of it precisely hopefully you guys can help me out with pictures or animations.

After raising the sail by pulling down on the halyard until the upper boom is right against the top of the mast leading the tail of the halyard through the main halyard fairlead on the deck and tying off the halyard to the main halyard cleat I notice after sailing for a while the upper boom slowly goes away from the top of the mast. This must be because the main halyard gets wet and expands in my view. Most of the time in such a amount I am afraid to break the mast. Most of the time I have to stop sailing and do everything all over again taking me a lot of trouble.

Somebody told me there is a way to avoid this, but words are not the same as pictures or written instructions. Can anybody suggest something that could avoid the upperboom going away from the top of the mast every time?

PS creating a vang with the tail of my halyard does not help.
 

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I'd expect that using a vang would encourage the halyard to stretch.

After sailing a while, a certain amount of slack generally will appear. While it's annoying, I just re-tighten the halyard again. :rolleyes:Sometimes, the sail clip nearest and below the halyard attachment will interfere with that adjustment. Change that clip to a carefully-measured length of sail tie.

Starting out, make sure that the mast is rotated to "aim" the halyard at the upper spar. Another consideration is the diameter and type of line that the halyard is made of. There are non-stretch lines available, but they are costly. :(

Your mast step should hold water with the mast removed; otherwise, there may be a serious issue at the base of the mast and the step. :confused:
 
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A non-stretch halyard might solve your 'problem'. The post above mentions this as well.
For instance, Amsteel Blue (from Samson) is nice.

Also, make sure that the halyard does not slip on the upper spar.
 
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Thnak you for the tips, what would be the best place to buy the non stretch halyard in us. I will have to ship it. Also what would be the best spec for this hallyard?
 
and tying off the halyard to the main halyard cleat
Are you cleating the halyard to the cleat, or tying it to the cleat? If you are not cleating it, which you should be, your knot might be causing extra slippage beyond normal.

The last thing you should worried about is the halyard stretch causing the mast to break! The mast is made of a sturdy aluminum and it is not going to break because the sail is not fully hoisted!
 
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Thank you for the tips, what would be the best place to buy the non stretch halyard in us. I will have to ship it. Also what would be the best spec for this halyard?
There must be at least one marine store in Curacao that can advise you. As mentioned earlier, I like Amsteel Blue from Samson, but it is pretty expensive (the 5 mm line costs $1.05/ft)
APS recommends 25' Excel racing (5 mm or 3/16''); also expensive @ $1.20/ft
http://www.apsltd.com/c-2396-sunfish-linepackages.aspx
 
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Thnak you for the tips, what would be the best place to buy the non stretch halyard in us. I will have to ship it. Also what would be the best spec for this hallyard?

Cai
I am late in suggesting this, but the first thing that I would very much recommend is making some connections with local Sunfish class members. Even if you don't race, just showing up at an event will likely change your entire experience with your Sunfish. I will go out on a limb and guarantee that local sailors will just about fall over themselves to help you with all of the issues you are asking about as well as help you with finding local gear and such.

Just Google "Sunfish Class Curacao" and you will find contact information, both phone and email. I see your local calendar lists an annual womens regatta there tomorrow. If they are still having it I would check it out. There will certainly be good local Sunfish experts at an event like that (and I won't state other obvious possibilities).

I assure you, you will not find a more hospitable group than Sunfish class members. You will have an instant sailing family. Again, even if you do not race in events or at least don't for awhile, there will be no faster way to learn and to address all of your questions. Also, if you are inclined, the views from the race committee or mark boats are unparralleled, and extra assistance is always welcome. But that is by no means necessary...just stop by any Sunfish event anytime and you will make new friends.
 
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Hi all thx for the suggestions and advice.

I was cleating the halyard to the cleat. But on the cleat of the boat not the mast. This because the cleat on the mast is loose. I will be fixing this or if not possible buy a new mast to use a slip knot and cleat it on the mast. This way I can keep it a bit more tight. Will take a closer look at the non stretch halyard. Mine is getting old anyways and it seems to be not a bad investment that could save me some trouble.

It is never to late suggesting to contact fellow sunfishers in the area. I did meet some and got some suggestions. Indeed they are nice and helpful and you can learn a lot just by talking to them. You are correct to guess I am not really into racing but just go out once and a while to relax and enjoy the water, sun and the wind pushing me forward instead of a noisy engine.

Thank you all for the suggestions and advice, seems like I always have an instant sailing family online ;)
 

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