[quote=charlescarlis]At least on my 8:1 downhaul, neither free end is attached to anything and the downhaul can be adjusted from either side. If I get around to it, I can/should actually run the downhaul lines out to each hull with the cam cleats being there so I can adjust easily from either side of the boat. Others do it this way.
Essentially, the "free ends" of the continuous line are secured in a cam cleat with constant tension (of course). The line isn't one line, but actually 2, connected by a ball and loop through the sail tack. That allows you to really haul down all the way on the sail, if the tack is independent of the boom. Maybe something they use on modern F18 boats?
You can do a downhaul with one end secured, say in the luff track with a eye and shackle and mine was like that before, but I needed more purchase so increased it to 8:1 by adding a couple more cheek blocks on each side and the swivel cam cleats down low on the mast. WAY smoother and more powerful.
Coming from a Capri, the sail adjustments are WAY different. Don't know what the Mystere has for controls, but it'll be way different to get the right shape and position of the sail.[/quote]
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