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One more thing I should have said. Polilite has a Polypropylene inner core which makes it super light. I also opted for the longer sheet so I could go way beyond 90 degrees downwind. Sailing by the lee is a powerful tool both in waves and tactically. I am sure you can see some videos on my Boatwhisperer style downwind techniques on Youtube that the RYA shot of a talk a few years ago, but if you want more - we have the digital versions available to download via my blog - just look for digital download. There are also some relevant RS Aero articles there too. Roostersailing.com/blog. Enjoy
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31/10/2019 17:59:00
steverooster
Posts: 19
Thanks everyone that’s all very useful. I’m picking up a new boat next week so will be interested to compare the new standard sheet with what I already have. I’m tempted to hang on to both my swiftcord 6mm and 7mm as they aren’t cheap to replace. I have one more sheet that looks like Polilite. That may have to go with the px unless I can find my original standard mainsheet!
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31/10/2019 17:12:00
Posts: 0
I use the supplied rope in a blow because it has an easier grip but a 6mm in lighter weather. I have been increasing the length to sail better by the lee downwind. 10m just about does it but I've gone to 10.5 in the 6mm. In a blow I add a chicken knot to avoid it going out so far to avoid weather rolls.
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23/10/2019 08:34:00
Gareth
Posts: 170
I have both 7 mm Polilite & the RS sourced 7 mm Swiftchord.
I found I lost grip on the Pollilite at crucial moments, it's outer is quite smooth.
I've not experienced the same with the Swiftchord to the same degree.
For length I suggest you need to be able to get the boom back from 90 deg whilst sat well back and out; 10 m is what I started with, and I haven't shortened it yet.
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22/10/2019 08:58:00
Jonathan Rickels
Posts: 104
21/10/2019 18:58:00
david
Posts: 64
Just tried the 7mm Rooster PoliLite and think it's much better than the 6mm Swiftcord I've been using. No tangles whatsoever, and a good feel. Cockerell's video on the Rooster web site recommends the 7 mm unless perhaps you're campaigning for the Olympics. I agree. In any case the 6mm Swiftcord swells to at least 7mm in water, but the Polilite does not, so it actually appears thinner than it is.
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21/10/2019 18:53:00
david
Posts: 64
15/10/2019 21:23:00
Posts: 0
Hi Robert, I bought 6mm Rooster Polilite to use as a light wind mainsheet, thinking that it would flow more easily through the blocks. I've had it on the boat for a year now and use it in all windstrengths, you would think that it is too thin for 25 knots but doesn't appear to be the case! I noticed a number of boats at the Inlands this weekend using the same rope and diameter, seems to be a popular choice in the class.
Cheers, Mark.
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15/10/2019 12:40:00
Mark R
Posts: 9
Hi Robert, or should I call you my Buddie from the world championships in 2018 in Weymouth. I use Rooster Polilite - and not because I designed it - but because it is tangle-free. The 7mm version is nice in the hand and was my sheet of choice for all sailing conditions in the Aero. The outer core of Polilite is the load bearer. This means that under load, the outer core pinches the inner core and stops any core/outer rotation that would create twists. I did have to add a couple of m of rope to enable me to go downwind by the lee and get those transitions working.
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15/10/2019 10:35:00
steverooster
Posts: 19
I’ve been using a single braid, 6mm mainsheet and it lies very well in the bottom of the boat and is comfortable. However it can tangle easily and has a habit of doubling through the main pulley if it lies across the piece leading into it. This can be a trifle inconvenient!
Does anyone have a favourite mainsheet? If so, why? I found the standard one from 4 yrs back somewhat stiff and loopy in the cockpit so I changed it. I also have a 6mm single braid for very light winds which also likes to do extra entries into the mainsheet block!
I would be interested to know what “Hey Matey†uses as it looks thin with a little stiffness but gets thrown forward onto the deck nicely so doesn’t presumably spend so much time on the cockpit floor.
One ex charter boat recently new to Chelmarsh has a smoothish double braid one that looks well behaved. Any advice?
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15/10/2019 09:18:00
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