Specifications: Sail Control Systems

The J/42 sail control systems are designed for maximum efficiency and ease of handling. Below is a brief description of each system:

Mainsail Controls

Main Halyard: exits the mast on the port side, runs through a turning block at the mast collar aft to the halyard deflector block and then aft along the port side cabin top through the inboard halyard stopper to the cockpit halyard winch.

Main Street: is a 2:1 continuous system running to both port and starboard side mainsheet winches. The line is lead from one winch through a deck mounted turning block to one block on the traveler car, up to the single boom block, back down to the second block on the traveler car, and out to the other deck block and finally to the other winch. The system is designed to allow extremely easy adjustments of the mainsheet by any size or age person. The self-tailing winch feature also facilitates single-handed sailing and rapid adjustments during sailing maneuvers. Be sure to put a “stopper knot” like a figure-eight at both ends of the sheet.

Traveler: consists of a traveler bar and traveler car mounted in the cockpit. The car is controlled by a 4:1 purchase system led to either side of the cockpit. Put the spliced eye of the traveler control line (the fixed end) into the becked of the double block at the end of the traveler. This requires removing the pin, inserting the plastic spacer into the rope eye, and replacing the pin.

Reef Lines: are designed to be fully functional from the cockpit. The mainsail tack reef lines lead from an eye on the port side of the mast below the gooseneck,, up thorough the tack cringle in the mainsail, and back down through a cheek block mounted on the starboard side of the mast, down through a mast collar turning block, then aft to the starboard cockpit cabin top winches. The mainsail clew reef lines exit the forward end of the boom, lead aft through the mast collar turning block to the port cockpit cabintop winches.

Outhaul: is adjusted underneath the boom and is pre-assembled by Hall Spars.

Boom Vang: is manufactured by Hall Spars and is equipped with Harken block and tackle system. The block with the integral cleat should mount to the lower end of the vang. Adjust the support spring by removing the allen screws on either side and align in the proper adjustment hole per the Hall instructions.

Backstay: A Sailtec hydraulic backstay adjuster is included with the J/42 to enable you to control the upwind shape of the mainsail by bending the mast. A simple hand pump and release valve control the operation of this unit.

Jib Controls

Jib Halyard: exits the mast on the port side, runs through a turning block at the mast collar aft to the halyard deflector block, and the aft to the port cabin top halyard winch.

Jib Sheet: is attached to the headsail by a bowline know and, depending on the headsail size, led aft outside the shrouds to the jib car mounted to the jib track then aft to the primary winches. When the dodger is up, use the snatch blocks to guide the jib sheet around the side curtains.

Jib Blocks and Tracks: are located port and starboard along the cabin sides. Adjustable pin stop jib lead blocks are supplied for each track.