single-handed sailraising?

Sally Cholmondeley
docsally's picture
Joined: 28 Apr 2017

Posted on 05 May 2017 - 11:11pm

I am looking at purchasing a Heard 28 in Croatia with some work to do but have fallen in love with the design. My biggest question having sailed occasionally in larger gaffers and having my own Cornish Shrimper which I often single hand - how easy is it to raise that sail area ? I feel embarrassed to ask but recognise that I'm 5'6,  50+ years old and I'm a girl! 

If any members are female or who have wives/partners who regularly hoist the mainsail I would like to be reassured.. or just have a try.

 

Henrik Nor-Hansen
Bika's picture
Joined: 27 Oct 2013

Posted on 24 May 2017 - 10:10pm

We are in Nova Scotia, the plan is to cross next year. Will probably stop somewhere between Falmouth and Dover, if you are still interested in a sail.

We also made a new rudder, and may have some tips.

Sally Cholmondeley
docsally's picture
Joined: 28 Apr 2017

Posted on 24 May 2017 - 9:09pm

Thank you all for  the reassurance and am sure technique will prevail. I am now proud owner to be of said boat inCroatia. She's not going anywhere fast as she needs a new engine and rudder.  Would anyone be kind enough to offer me some crewing opportunities so that I can have a look at how other Heards are set up and have an anorak moment or two over the summer ? I'm based inEast Sussex but happy to travel.

 

 

 

Henrik Nor-Hansen
Bika's picture
Joined: 27 Oct 2013

Posted on 22 May 2017 - 7:07pm

My wife is 5'2, and she can hoist the main on our Heard 28. I would not recommend a winch at the mast, because you will use your whole body weight to pull down both halyards (peak and throat) at the same time. That makes the the main go up much faster. You may need another set-up with the blocks though, depending on how the existing system is working out for you. It's crucial to keep the boat up against the wind while hoisting, so an engine would be nice, unless there's no wind to speak of.

We were a little intimitated by the main at first, coming from a bermudan rig, but it's all about technique.

Graham Benson
Graham's picture
Joined: 02 Sep 2009

Posted on 22 May 2017 - 4:04pm

would you wrap both halyards around the one winch?

Sally Coward
Sally Coward's picture
Joined: 23 Aug 2006

Posted on 07 May 2017 - 1:01pm

I believe the mainsail is fairly heavy to raise, but many years ago Martin Heard solved the problem for a female customer by installing a winch at the foot of the mast. 


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