SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING UNCONTROLLED JIBES

(controllable from the cockpit)

Nothing can be quite as unsettling as an uncontrolled jibe. At the least it can startle you and more serious consequences can range from rig damage to that most feared event when a person is struck, usually on the head with potentially very serious consequences.

On MATCHMAKER we often run downwind, wing on wing, with the genoa poled out.

I have devised a preventer system that is adjustable from the cockpit, keeps the boom under control and makes life easier for the helmsperson.

I don’t suggest that this system is unique, as it is so intuitively simple, but it works very well for us.

For me, the characteristics for a good preventer are;

• Readily available and easily attached
• Two lines are fed through the loops at base of the lifeline stanchions up the starboard side from the cockpit, through a double block at the stem and snap shackles are attached to the ends.
• Each line should be long enough for one end to lead back around the shrouds and attach to the main sheet bail at the boom when lazy (see starboard line in sketch). The other end of the lazy line must reach back to the cockpit with a stopper knot.
• When not in use, the snap shackles are docked somewhere convenient along the starboard lifelines and the cockpit ends coiled and stored.
• When deployed and in use, one line is led outside the shrouds on each side of the boat and snapped to the main sheet bail. The line on the boom side is hand tensioned and cleated at the cockpit. The lazy line is maintained free to insure no snags to stress the rig.
• To tack or controlled jibe be sure to free the cleated line before executing the maneuver.
• Easy to adjust from the cockpit (once attached)
• Able to be released in a moment from the cockpit in case of an emergency
• Simply uncleat and let the line run as needed

Will Sirois

Double block at stem

S/V MATCHMAKER

Double block at stem
	Starboard side preventer