How-to
Lesson: 2
Rigging & Hoisting the Mainsail
Captain Paul Sullivan
First Reef Sailing
While every boat is a bit different, the basics generally remain the same.
Here are the step-by-step directions to properly rig and hoist the mainsail.
How to Rig the Mainsail
Shackle the Main Halyard to the head of the Mainsail
Release all Reefing Lines to allow the sail to raise up off of the boom
Uncleat the Boom Vang to enable the boom to lift up
Ease the Main Sheet to allow the boom to move
How to Hoist the Mainsail
Make sure the boat is pointing into the wind so the sail doesn’t power up too early
Pull the main halyard to hoist the sail to the top of the mast
Check that the sail fabric along the mast and in between
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