@RossM
Hi Ross, sorry for the delay.
Even though I really ought to be focusing solely on the design of the planing hull—which has nothing to do with sails and rigging—I find myself thinking about how to improve the sail control system I used on my schooner.
I’m not entirely happy with my method; while it works well for adjusting to various points of sail, it doesn't help much during tacking or jibing maneuvers.
Since I plan to build another one sooner or later, I’m always looking for inspiration and ideas.
So far, I haven't found a system that’s quite as satisfactory as I’d like.
Yours is one of the most interesting, but—as I mentioned—I do have one lingering doubt.
So, let's get to the point:
If I recall correctly, you used winches with custom-made drums (they looked great) that would take up the sheet on one side while releasing it on the other.
In my opinion, this system is perfect for controlling square-rigged yards.
I say this because a yard is a spar that rotates horizontally around its center point (where it connects to the mast); consequently, the length of line pulled in on the left corresponds exactly to the length released on the right, and vice versa.
In short, the line circuit driven by the winch around the drums maintains a constant length—it’s a closed loop.
However, when handling a gaff sail—like those on a schooner—the line's travel distance cannot remain constant. When sailing close-hauled, the line needs to be shortened as much as possible, whereas on a broad reach or running downwind, it needs to be fully extended.
I fail to see how a closed-loop system like the one you’ve created can manage these varying lengths of sheet attached to the boom.
I believe that while it would work perfectly for controlling the yard of a square sail, it wouldn't work for the boom of a gaff sail.
The problem, as I see it, is that such a system can effectively swing the boom from side to side (locking it in the desired position) but cannot adjust the boom's angle—and thus the sail's setting—relative to the boat.
In short, with a closed-loop system, once the opening angle is set based on the line length within the loop, that angle remains fixed. Yet, an angle that works for one point of sail won't work for another.
I hope my explanation makes sense.
For now, I’ve tried to describe my thoughts using only text, but if necessary—and I suspect it might be—I’ll attach some drawings to better illustrate what I mean.
In the meantime, thank you for your patience.
