How to Hoist the Mainsail
Back to Basics Sailing Tips
Here is how to hoist the mainsail on a Lagoon and similar catamarans. We walk you through what you need to do from leaving the dock to setting sail.
1. Prepare Sail Bag
- Open sail bag
- Check main halyard is attached to the head of the sail – ensure shackle is done up and secure
- Follow our predeparture checklist prior to leaving
- For manoeuvring of the dock find tips here
Factors to consider
- Wind strength – if the wind is strong you will need to pre-emptively put in reefs
- Wind direction
- Ripple direction (a good wind indicator for experienced sailors)
- Anemometer
- Windex
2. Turn into Wind
- Ensure you have room
- Travel at low speeds (enough to be able to use the rudder but without too much wind over the deck)
- Turn on autopilot
3. Prepare sheets and halyards
- Wrap main halyard on the winch
- Open reefing lines if reefs were put in last time the boat was used
- Ensure lines aren’t tangled
- Loosen mainsheet so the wind is less likely to fill the sail
4. Hoist
There are two ways to hoist
- Sweat and tail – a crew member will be needed to manually pull the main halyard on the mast while the captain tails the halyard, you will need to use the winch for the final part (fastest)
- Winch – single-handed and slow
- Listen – if the winch loads up or there is unusual flapping sounds it typically means something is caught
- Sight – Watch to ensure that the sail goes through the lazy jacks without getting caught
- Define Lazy Jacks – the small lines running from the mast to the boom bag which support and hold open the boom bag open
- How to know the sail is up? The winch will load up. You can also put thin whipping twine as a marker to indicate the sail is at the top of the mast.
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
Lagoon 46 Review: The Ultimate Cruising Catamaran for Family Adventures
Phil and Louise, Lagoon 46 owners, agree: “The Lagoon 46 offers unmatched comfort, the flybridge fits the whole family, the queen beds add luxury, and it’s perfect for whale watching, and family time. It’s our favourite model, and we’re proud to show it off! We love TMG and enjoy being part of the family.”
The Best Flybridge Motor Yachts in the World
Flybridge motor yachts represent the pinnacle of luxury on the water. Renowned for their elevated outdoor living spaces, panoramic views, and spacious layouts, these yachts have captured the imagination of boating enthusiasts around the world. But which brand has the best flybridge motor yachts in the world?
Australian Excellence: TMG Yachts Wins Big at Lagoon APAC Dealer Meeting
TMG Yachts has been honoured with two prestigious awards at the Lagoon APAC Dealer Meeting, including APAC Best Dealer and world Brand Ambassador, for the seventh consecutive year, highlighting their excellence.