I usually sail solo, sloop-rigged. When I DO have crew, I usually have them trap out and handle my tramp-mounted jib sheets. They haul in on that sheet to hold themselves onto the hull so they don't fly off. I have never had my crew run the main while I steer. My question is then, what's left for the crew to hold onto if you have a Wouter-type self tacking jib sheet that is a short endless loop? Is it kind of like riding a bike with no hands? Sounds scary!
What's left for the crew...?
The self tacking jib is nice but it is only the tip a the iceberg. The crew is always making constant adjustments and this includes the jib. The self tacker just allows the crew to get on the wire a few moments sooner. There overall job hasn't changed.
Top crew can make an average skipper a hero! Ask my wife she'll tell you.
