Xmainsheet system for 28 foot boat with a 200 square foot main?

[Snowpetrel]

I can't see a traveller? If there's no traveller then you are mostly vang sheeting, so some of the leach tension is taken by the vang rather than the main. And I'm picking your boat don't point like an America's cup beastie, so the mains probably not right on the centerline strapped down tight, so the mainsheet isn't working as hard as it otherwise might be.

Something like a high aspect ratio cat with a full width traveller needs massive sheet tensions to control twist and leech tension. Hence the talk of 12:1's

A traveller, and a fine tune (or more sheet tension) might help her performance to windward slightly by reducing twist, but also might not...

Sent from my HTC_0PCV2 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[GILow]

Ah, the picture does not show it, but there is a traveller. The old fashioned "set-the-stops" variety.

Windward performance is ok, not stellar, in ideal conditions I can usually sail pinch to about 35 degrees apparent but that is with new sails and a freshly cleaned bottom on smooth water. 45 degrees would be more usual and that's not exactly efficient in VMG, better around 55.

It's interesting, but I have never felt the sail shape was a problem, at least not with the new sails, so I am never finding myself feeling the need to really crank down on the main sheet. The boom does extend a fair way past the clew so maybe that is giving me the added leverage I need, that and the lower aspect ratio.

Still... 12:1!? Gosh.

[northoceanbeach]

I have the set the stops traveller too.