I don't really agree with using a adjustable trapeze for going downwind singlehanded. You can't really adjust it when you're out on the wire simply because you've got a tiller in one hand, and a spinnaker sheet in the other. I use dog bones and that's about all the hi/lo adjustment you need. Besides, wiring downwind isn't so much about getting weight out left to right, as it is about getting weight aft.
The trapeze line in the video is quite a bit shorter than what I have, when he scooted off the hull, his butt didn't seem to drop at all. I noticed the crew was using the aft trapeze line, isn't that only when going downwind?
Yep, just for going downwind the crew will use the Skippers trapeze. Using the Crew's just makes it harder.
1. its way at the front of the bus, someplace you don't want to go in a blow
2. You'll be pulling the hell out of the bungee, it in turn will be pulling like hell on you.
Also, could someone explain what a "chicken line" is? I assume it is supposed to stop you from flying forward in a pitch pole situation, but how is it rigged and how does it work? My wife might like something like that.
Usually a line tied to the transom at one of the rudder pintles. then into the rear beam on a bungee to suck up the slack. People either use a hook of some sort and hook it to the trapeze ring, or just a line and they mount a jam cleat on their harness. I've never used one, (lake sailor), so I have no experience with them.
I just put together a quick video and I'll upload it tomorrow. There's a decent tack, and singlehanded hoist, and some downwind wiring singlehanded
