The Day Sailer - Edition #72, Spring 1979 - Wm. C. Waggoner
This simple rig is inexpensive (less than fifteen dollars)
and works
well for the cruising sailor. Three sections of aluminum 1/2"
round stock are
cut to length for a (1) eye strap, (2) cheek block, and (3) clam
cleat with
fairlead. Stainless self-tapping pan and flathead screws secure
the three
fittings to their respective pieces through pilot holes in the aluminum
round
stock. The aluminum stock is inserted into the rope bolt entrance
on the
mast track in the reverse order as above, and slid down the track
to the
desired position. The screws are tightened and leaves the
fitting on the aft
side of the lower mast, the aluminum stock in the lower track, and
connected
by their screws spanning the track. The pinching action of
drawing the
aluminum stock and fittings together secures them in place.
One end of a six-foot section of 1/4 inch line is whipped
into the eye
strap. The free end goes up through the cunningham hole in
the main sail,
down through the cheek block, back up through the cummingham hole,
and
down through the clam cleat. This gives a four to one purchase
and works
smoothly.