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The Halyard - More than just hoisting the sail
16 July 2025 · 2 min · 1K views
What this video covers
Thomas Nilsson explains the function of the halyard and common errors sailors make when hoisting the mainsail.▶ 0:00 To ensure a smooth hoist, the boat must head directly into the wind in a sheltered area before reaching open water.▶ 0:00 When using a Lazy Bag system, the helmsman must steer carefully to prevent the sail battens or slides from snagging on the lazy jack lines.▶ 0:42 Beyond hoisting, the halyard serves as a primary sail trim tool; increasing tension flattens the sail profile.▶ 1:10 Common mistakes include attempting to hoist with the mainsheet or boom vang tensioned, which prevents the sail from rising fully.▶ 0:50 While older boats utilized wire halyards, modern Dyneema lines offer superior resistance to stretch.▶ 1:36 However, even Dyneema experiences "creep" over time, requiring periodic adjustment throughout the season to maintain proper sail shape.▶ 2:03 Proper hoisting technique reduces flogging, which extends the service life of the sail fabric.▶ 0:50
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