First sail!!! Yahoo!!!

[sharps4590]

Monday past my oldest son and I took the Bucc over to a little local lake for my 1st sail in 30+ years and his first sail ever. Only had one problem rigging the boat and I'll get to that as I have a question.

Winds were very light and variable which was really a good thing but we learned very quickly that sailing would have been more fun with a little more wind....but...we take what we get. With the light winds we had no concerns of a mishap we weren't prepared for and the gusts were enough to get the Bucc going good and teach us even more....and REALLY show us how much fun this sport can be.

It was only a 2 hour sail and there were times the going was very slow. Still, a great first time on the water, some wonderful time spent with my son and the beginning of what I hope is a long, fruitful and enjoyable education and hobby.

Thanks to all on this board who had a part in getting me this far.

Now the question. The forestay on the Bucc is also the furler for the jib....like I need to tell you guys that...and the way my old Bucc is rigged is that the stay goes down through the hole in the foredeck, around that block in the bow then out to the Highfield lever. I have never been able to get the fitting on the end of the stay to pass through that block. Every time the little line has pulled out because the fitting on the end of the cable won't pass through it. A bowline will not pass through the block nor does it appear any other knot will. Then we're stuck. Fortunately each time a 9 or 10 year old kid has been close and agreed to climb up under the deck and pass the stay through the block. That isn't always going to be an option. Am I doing something wrong or is there a trick or modification for what seems like an original, really bad plan? I'm kinda stumped here.

Vic

[CaptainScott]

Well Congratulations on your first sail in 30 years and to have your son aboard for his first ever is great!!

Sorry I'm not familliar with the Buc so I'm of little use there!

If you don't get answers maybe posting detailed photos of the problem will help get an answer!!

Scott

[sharps4590]

Thanks!! It was great fun........and I'm too FAT to crawl through that little hatch to take pictures!!!!!

Vic

[EmergencyExit]

Here's a link I dug up that may help ya ! Maybe a contact there for you if you don't get the info here

http://sailc18.us/fore_stay_and_jib_conversion.htm

[sharps4590]

Thanks EE...quite a bit of info there I'm certain I'll need. How do you guys find this stuff?!?!?!?!

Vic