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Thanks for the straight elbow advice. I would like to think that I could strengthen my body core but I'm making do with foot physio at present. Daily drying the shower with a towel is my most strenuous core muscle contribution and I try to stay out of water as a general rule ;). I do like Marc Jacobi's technique of holding the sheet and tiller in one hand and balancing his body motion with the freedom that offers. However there aren't many waves on our puddle so I might not become an expert at that.
The tennis elbow started in January and has mostly left off now - but then again I haven't been on the water a great deal either! It was my left elbow too.
I find the cleat most useful in moderate, stable air and single braided rope is lovely. Without the cleat, holding the fist containing it against my leg whilst hiking is pretty comfortable. The boat seems to punish my limbs less when it's blowing a bit than when I'm in and out in light airs. I think I probably did the damage in the lighter stuff and thought the injury a good excuse to spend some money on a cleat in order to sail the boat for as many more years as possible!
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10/08/2017 20:18:00
Posts: 0
As someone who has experienced tennis elbow during some intensive training in the long distant past, I now reflect that most of my issue was that I was not strong enough to hold myself in the hiking position without using my upper body with the sheet. I have recently learned to swim butterfly and found my core is now super strong leaving my arms to get on with handling the sheet. I have also fitted side deck cleats for those days when you are looking for maximum power just to save my arms, but also to allow me to move independently of the mainsheet.
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10/08/2017 07:27:00
steverooster
Posts: 19
Usually golfer or tennis elbow is the term for that here in the states. Continually bent can cause elbow pain in people who suddenly do a lot of sailing around bent armed, this is to be avoided....I know, i did it myself foiling, exactly the same thing arm motion wise. Takes a while to get over it but you can get back to normal no problem. The cleat will really help!
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09/08/2017 20:31:00
Jim DeSilva
Posts: 1
A comment on the elbow pain... I've just ran into that problem after increasing the amount of sailing. Only one elbow, strangely (left).
After poking around online, I've stopped holding the sheet with my elbow bent (as much as I can) - it has made a significant difference. I only bend my elbow to bring in the sheet, and try to let the sheet slip to let it out.
I'm hoping this approach avoids needing the upgrade. So far it has made a huge impact.
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09/08/2017 20:10:00
Niteskye
Posts: 14
I have the upgrade because I found that gripping the mainsheet for extended periods gave me elbow pain. It is great to windward, making tensioning the vang accurately much easier and the beat much less tiring. It can also be used to hold tension in the sail until the last moment when tacking if the wind is not too heavy. It is easy to release in a gust as the cleating angle is low, almost at deck level and you can get away without wearing gloves, even.
For me the downside is the increased mainsheet friction through its fairlead when off the wind when I pull upwards more on the sheet a lot of the time. This is especially noticeable if you are kneeling inboard on a run. I am tempted to increase the rake on the fairlead and cleat with an extra wedge to ease this problem.
The base came with a clip-on adapter so the cleat-free ratchet block could be easily refitted and one might consider buying another carbo block to add permanently to this so that the two options can be easily interchanged. More outlay but a pleasant option!
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09/08/2017 16:43:00
Posts: 0
Mine came with the new mainsheet base and the removal tool. I tested it out, it fits the press point nicely, making it easy to remove the block. That said, it just needs to press down so you could used a screwdriver instead.
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11/06/2017 19:35:40
Posts: 0
Heymatey,
I am not sure, hopefully someone else can answer that.
Whilst the specific tool also has a very handy bottle opener on the other end you can also remove the fitting (e.g. for stacking) by simply inserting a car key, screw driver or whatever.
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09/06/2017 21:17:05
Peter Barton
Posts: 4678
09/06/2017 15:29:56
heymatey
Posts: 32
16/02/2017 11:10:30
Obo
Posts: 19
RS Aero Mainsheet Base Upgrade and Centre Jammer Swivel - LINK HERE
This mainsheet base upgrade is available to incorporate a centre jammer swivel, an option for those who want it.
The new mainsheet base is fitted to all new RS Aeros now (since about no. '2150') and for anyone who wants one it is able to be easily fitted. It serves three purposes;
- allows the fitting of the mainsheet centre jammer swivel for those who want that.
- if ever you want to stack RS Aeros for transport it allows quick and simple removal of the mainsheet ratchet (similar to the kicker base removal).
- this 'upgrade' provides RS Aero sailors with a good excuse to buy a dual purpose RS Bottle Opener, used to remove the base for stacking Aeros and to open a beer once pack up is complete!
The side cleats work well upwind, which is the main time you might need them, this is an alternative that can be used from more angles.It is an option for those who want or need it.
The photo shows the new base with a normal ratchet. The Harken swivel cleat can be added.
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16/02/2017 09:44:51
Peter Barton
Posts: 4678
Hi all
I have noticed on the RS website that there is an mainsheet upgrade kit available.
What is the improvement behind this upgrade?
What about the option with swivel base ?
Thank you
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16/02/2017 07:43:25
Obo
Posts: 19
