Dual mainsheets are not for everyone or every boat but here are some of the benefits over the Crosby rig:snotnosetommy wrote:I'd like to try the dual mainsheet idea. Never had a traveler on my M25, only the Crosby rig. Not sure how the dual mainsheet does the same thing as a traveler.
1) You can sheet the boom in past the center line to point higher. With the Crosby rig all you accomplish by pulling it in past a certain point is to pull it down and stretch the leach.
2) You can position the boom off to one side or the other to get it out of the way when at the dock or anchor.
3) Safety. There are two cam cleats, one on each side, so you don't have to reach across the cockpit to dump the main when all h*ll is breaking loose.
4) One of the sheets can be unsnapped from the bottom end and moved forward to act as a preventer when sailing downwind.
I know I've read of other benefits but these are just the ones I can think of right now. I believe Jerry Powlas, co-owner of Good Old Boat magazine, has abandoned the traveler on his C&C 30 and gone with dual mainsheets instead.
Travelers can be very effective in controlling sail shape when set up and used properly but I don't think they are (set up and used properly) on most small boats unless their skippers are really into performance.
Just my opinion.
Henry
