Lazy jacks are nautical equipment that help sailors control sails while furling or securing them. They reduce the number of crew needed and keep the sail cleaner. The system consists of lines on either side of the sail that guide it down and catch it. Different types of systems exist, and proper installation and sizing are crucial for their functioning. Kits are available for all sizes of sailboats.
A lazy jack, or lazyjack, is a piece of nautical equipment that helps sailors control a fore and aft rigged sail or mainsail while furling, furling, or securing it. This ancient system is a type of rigging which, by connecting two or more points on the mast to two or more points on the jib, prevents the lower sail from falling off the jib and onto the deck. Often referred to as a self-flaking rig, this rig typically reduces the number of crewmates needed to secure the sail, making it a significant asset to many sailors. Using this method, a single sailor can usually handle this task alone.
The lazy cat system consists of a set of lines placed on either side of the main sail. The upper segments join at a high point on the neck and extend to two or more line segments that join at different points along the neck. When the sailor furls the sail, the lazy cats guide the sail down and catch it between these lines. A sail generally stays cleaner since the sail does not fall on the deck and is not handled as much by sailors as on a sailboat that is not equipped with lazy jacks.
Rigging with slack connectors is the oldest autocasting method and is still frequently used in modern times. Some systems, such as the Dutchman system, are modifications of the slow jack system. One of the main differences between these two systems is that the lazy jack lines rest on each side of the sail and the dutch lines are on only one side and go through holes in the sail.
Lazy jack designers usually need to customize mounting points on sailboat jibs and masts. In order to have a properly functioning system, loose connectors generally need to be properly sized, installed, and tightened. If the sail falls unevenly on the jib, the uneven weight can damage a spreader and make the sail more difficult to store. Another problem with the lazy jack is that the lines often get tangled when a person lifts the sail.
Many boat owners handle their own lazy jacks or purchase aftermarket kits. In general, companies sell kits for all sizes of sailboats, from dinghies to super yachts and cruisers. They typically design them for boats with fully battened main nets and boats with standard sails. When purchasing a kit, a boat owner typically compares line composition, which can vary from nylon rope to plastic-coated steel cable, and types of hardware.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
