Leon explains: Preventer on a sail boat
25 August 2024 · 5 min · 13K views
What this video covers
A preventer system rigged on a Hallberg-Rassy 46 by Leon Schulz, developed over 80,000 miles of sailing, runs from the boom end forward to the gooseneck, then continues via a second line parked at the aft shrouds, through a low-friction ring at the bow, and back to a Spinlock clutch at the cockpit.0:52 Two preventers are rigged, one per side.0:31 Schulz specifies a Spinlock clutch — not a cam cleat, which he says fails under the shock loads of an accidental jibe. The line itself is Dyneema, chosen for strength at small diameter. The system is set while sailing a safe course of 120–130 degrees apparent, mainsail eased first, then the preventer pulled taut and tensioned further using the mainsheet. Schulz recommends deploying the preventer well before dead downwind — broad reach is enough — because large waves can swing the boom even on a steady course, and an autopilot can momentarily lose heading. Chafe between the preventer and genoa sheet is managed by adjusting the genoa track or easing the boom further out.
Boats in this video
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