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Systems & Procedures

Rigging a Preventer

Prevent an accidental jibe when running downwind.

When going downwind with the main sheet out, we need a preventer to prevent an accidental jibe. Accidental jibes can kill crew and bring down masts.

  • Never rig the preventer to the middle of the boom — always to the end of the boom (the middle can bend or break under sudden load)
  • Always rig the preventer to the bow

Rigging

  1. Attach a Dyneema loop about 75 cm long around the back of the boom-end fitting
  2. Attach one end of the preventer line to this loop — the line should be nylon or polyester (the red line from the laz works)
  3. Put a block with a soft shackle on the forward cleat at the bow — run the preventer through this block and back to the cockpit

To stop the boom ever hitting the shrouds: a stopper knot on the windward side of the main sheet.