Securing downhaul tail in gooseneck notch
I would encourage the stitched method.
1) it doesn't wear out like tape, nor bungee;
2) it doesn't add the further step of remembering to rig through the bungee loop;
3) it is 100% secure, CAN'T be pulled out by force, unless you first push the stitched portion back down to release;
4) I did previously try the bungee loop method, to try to stop a knot repeatedly popping out (my tail was on the thick side, and the knot too bulky to sit fully snug), but the tail was still popping out at the worst time, when I was applying max downhaul - so I went to a thinner tail, and added thickness above the knot with stitching - problem solved.
Reply 01/01/2026 01:16:00
RonF 'Delphine'
Posts: 47
I've used this setup since I got my boat in 2018. I got it from our fleet founder who I suspect got it from Marc. Had no idea this was not class legal until now. I fully agree that, while there may be other class legal work arounds, this setup is so simple and cheap and has no performance benefit such that the class rules should be updated to make it legal.
Reply 31/12/2025 15:59:00
AeroVT
Posts: 7
I agree - this is sensible. And trying to get the tail back secured is a royal pain.
-Jeff D
Reply 22/12/2025 19:08:00
Niteskye
Posts: 15
I rig my boat using your methods and agree that it is only an improvement not a performance improvement
your downhaul take up is also the best method I have found.
Reply 22/12/2025 11:01:00
Mark1654
Posts: 24
I also support Marc's recomendation. I always rig my Cunningham line inside the sail tack web. It sometimes comes out. I have a bungee cord tied around it as Marc described.
Reply 22/12/2025 10:41:00
Posts: 14
Hii Jonathan
I hope that you are well
The double line for the Cunningham line is not premitted by the Class Rules. I use a wrap of tape around the single line. So long as you make sure that the Cunningham line/rope is inside the sail tack web it doesn't come out.
Happy sailing
David (IM)
Reply 22/12/2025 09:23:00
David Rickard
Posts: 75
I would also like to support Marc's recommendation. While there are other suggestions, there is no reason not to allow the one Marc (and several others of us) use.
Brian Gilcher
Reply 21/12/2025 22:47:00
bgilcher
Posts: 1
Hi Marc,
There is an alternative:-
The downhaul orimary supplied in the rope kit is 4mm tapered to enable threading through the upper two sheave block.
The minimum recommended in the Class Rules is 3 mm. I have for many years used 3mm doubled. Vectran on my boat, but Dyneema or Spectra should be just as good. It's just as easy to thread through the two sheave block. Turns slightly easier through the sail cringle. And the two lines tie a neat double figure of eight knot and slip easily into the Gooseneck slot. In 10+ years sailing Aeros, all rigs, in some strong winds though some may have sailed in stronger winds & waves, it has NEVER come out of the slot.
On rigging before launching I always test the hold of the Cunningham / Downhaul.
And both sides are led inside the sail Tack Strap.
photo attached, unfortunately not rigged.
Reply 20/12/2025 10:56:00
Jonathan Rickels
Posts: 120
Another solution is to stitch the line just above the knot, with whipping twine, just enough to bulk up the line to be a tight fit in the notch
(as a result, you might have to insert the line into the slot above the stitched portion, and then pull the stitched portion up into the slot - releasing the line is the reverse procedure, pull the tail down and then out).
Reply 20/12/2025 00:24:00
RonF 'Delphine'
Posts: 47
I put some tape around the line directly (not around the mast) above the not. Since I did so, I never had this issue again. Nevertheless, I agree, that the solution shown in the picture is cheap, safe and gives no real advantage. It is definitely actually not allowed, I had one and had to remove it during the measurement of the 2022 European Championship, where I got also the hint with the tape. I am not 100% sure, if this is legal, but it was never critisized sind 2022 in any measurement control.The control line in my case is a little bit thinner.
Reply 19/12/2025 07:36:00
mheber
Posts: 76
I'd like to support this motion.
I've experienced loosing cunningham control because of the knot coming off of the notch which could be easily preventable.
Reply19/12/2025 05:01:00
Borism400
Posts: 10
19/12/2025 02:23:00
royvm
Posts: 2
It is my understanding that, under current class rules, it is illegal to use shock cord, line or tape around the mast to keep the downhaul's knotted end in the gooseneck notch (see attached photo). A wind indicator secured above the gooseneck can also do the job.
I fail to see why this restriction exists. There is minimal cost (pennies), no performance advantage, and it makes for a much safer sailing experience (as anyone who has had the knotted end come out of the notch can attest).
I therefore would like to formally request this prohibition be removed from (or an accommodation be permitted in) the class rules ASAP.
Many thanks in advance,
Marc Jacobi, USA 3173
Reply 19/12/2025 02:07:00
heymatey
Posts: 39
