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Greg, I agree that intuitively it shouldn't matter which knot you use if it doesn't interfere with the sheave BUT in practice I've found that it DOES matter. I used to use a small bowline and had no end of problems (this was with a Tornado). Then Reg White told me to use a stopper instead. Problem solved!! Ever since I've used the same setup on all my cats and never had any issue with it.

Thinking about it, I guess that because the halyard exits the ring on one side (nearest the mast) it forces the ring to fall AWAY from the mast more readily.....


John,
I'm giving it a try tomorrow with the stopper knot. I'm also bringing binoculars so I can watch what is going on "up there". If it works, you'll be my new best friend. I'm coming over to the UK this fall and the first few pints are on me!
Has anyone else noticed the number of contradictory ways this has been explained. Matt Millers instructions say the knot should face the mast. All the others say face away from the mast. I've never heard the twisting of the halyard mentioned before.

HOW ABOUT AN ELECTRO-MAGNET THAT RUNS ON A TRACK WITH A REMOTE CONTROL TO RELEASE IT?

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Seriously, Thanks guys for all your suggestions. I'll keep trying and report back what finally works.
Greg


The binocs are a great idea, I've done that a bunch to see what's up.

On the NACRAs the hook is centered over the track (unlike the Hobies that are off to one side), and I found that the rings with the loop inside and offset constantly jammed when trying to raise the sail because invariably the halyard would end up on the opposite side of the hook from the offset loop (if that makes any sense), and it would just jam and not hook. Moving to the ring with the loop centered and on top has solved that - using the two half hitches makes it irrelevant as to what way the knot is facing, although a stop knot would make things more compact.

Bottom line - you may end up trying elements of all the suggestions to come up with what works for you and your boat.

Also, make sure the sheaves are in good shape, and that your halyard is not of stretchy material.

Pirates of the Chesapeake
WRCRA