[MHml] Friction in lines and blocks

[Claas van der Linde]

Here is how we do it on our RC-27, LWL 27ft, beam 16ft, 400sq ft main 
sail, 970lbs boat:

Hull flying is completely controlled with a 6:1 traveller that is led 
forward and controlled by one man. Mainsheet is endless, double-ended, 
16:1 if pulled on one end, 8:1 if pulled (or released!) on both ends. On 
windy days helmsman steers only but has one sheet end in hand for 
emergency release. The third man is responsible for the jib sheet and 
has the other mainsheet end which he can also dump or (if the main was 
dumped by the helmsman) can (must!) pull in. On light days helmsman has 
both ends and can release both simultaneously, making the sheet an 8:1. 
There are two ratchet sheaves in line which can be switched on or off as 
needed. The upper block is a 9-sheave custom block, violin-style, made 
of Fredricksen parts, the lower block a 9-sheave, violin-style block. 
Sheaves are 75mm and 60mm, sheet is 7mm diameter. The cam-cleat is a 
Harken double-cam cleat which can be released and cleated from literally 
anywhere on the boat.

Winches and hydraulics don't work on our boat as we sail it Aussie 
18-footer style with three people on the trapeze. Plus, there is 
absolutely no need for winches, the existing system works.

And, yes, as described by Ross Hobson, when the main is fully sheeted 
in, the traveller cannot be released all the way, but to my mind that is 
a function of track geometry and mainsail foot length. Ross, how do you 
plan to improve this situation?

Cheers, Claas