I usually drop the knot and grab the mainsheet at the traveller block, that is rip it out of the aft block on the boom and the ratchet block. In this way I still have control of the boom and the sheeting angle, but can let the boom out all to the front to release the wind pressure when needed. I tend to do the same thing when launching, that is only thread the mainsheet through the front block on the boom and the traveller block and then thread it through the aft block and the ratchet block when safely away from land. By doing like this I¨ll get a mainsheet that is long enough to let the boom out all the way to the front and still be able to sheet the boom in with the mainsheet should I need to..
'Dropping the knot' works fine in an Aero and letting the vang/outhaul/downhaul controls off will also help the rig swing forward. No need to undo the clew strap as the rig will just flag downwind.
Try ignoring the RS webbing loop and use a Velcro clew strap instead - plenty available online. They are strong enough for lasers so I can't see why it wouldn't work for an aero too (in fact my boat came with one as an early demo boat but I replaced it before use).
Thanks. It's also been suggested I should let the mast & sail collapse into the water before I beach the boat. In each case the boom is still attached and will be a menace until the sail is down. Any more ideas?
Isn't this a similar problem to a laser? The solution often used is to take the knot out of the end of the mainsheet so the boom can swing forward over the bow - I haven't used this yet but can't see why it wouldn't work.
Any advice please on how to beach the aero safely? We have a busy shingle beach often with waves and strong wind. I would normally disconnect the boom from the leach to make it safe to prevent the mast falling over and hitting anything, then take down the sail. However on the aero the clew boom strop seems to prevent you doing this. Any ideas?
