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September 26, 2018 3 min read
Current Laser National Champion and Sailing Chandlery sponsored sailor Sam Whaley explains how his Laser 8:1 Downhaul system is rigged and the ropes he uses.
In 2016 the MK2 Laser Standard sail was released and amongst many small improvements on the previous design, the most notable change was an increase in cloth thickness used. Whilst this has meant that the sails are competitive for longer and harder wearing it does have some knock-on effects, such as controls being harder to pull on. This especially applies to the downhaul and with many people previously just using a 6:1 purchase it was simply not powerful enough to pull the correct amount of downhaul on in new sails.
The Laser class rules allow a maximum purchase on the downhaul system to be 8:1 and many sailors started beefing up their systems by adding another block. This trend has swept across the Laser standard world over the past year with almost every single top sailor in the world using this 8:1 downhaul.
Here we will take a look at my version of the 8:1 downhaul. I switched to this system at the beginning of 2018 and despite being sceptical at first it really does make a huge difference, allowing you to be able to depower the sail in the windy conditions even when hiking. I would recommend it to everyone sailing a standard rig and maybe even to small people in a radial who struggle to pull the downhaul on in the big stuff.
For my primary line I use some 5mm dyneema which goes through the sail and then around the gooseneck. I loop it around the gooseneck to avoid the rope getting caught in the boom and save a few grams of weight with less rope. Going any thinner with this primary is risky as there are such high loads on this rope if it snags on anything it can break easily.
I then used a Harken T18 block and attached it to the bottom of the top T29 block using some thinner dyneema. Whilst you can use a bigger block, a T18 block underneath makes the system flow easier as the secondary line does not rub upon movement, therefore less friction.
At the kicker fitting near the bottom I have a simple loop with another T29 block, held up by my sailing watch.
My system works just like a 6:1 downhaul system, with an added block, so is very easy to rig and is just tied off at the bottom block by my watch as opposed to the top block by the foot of the sail.
As you can see by the picture above my downhaul system is also slanted forwards slightly to stop the rope getting caught in between the boom and the gooseneck.
In conclusion the 8:1 downhaul system is a must have upgrade for Laser sailors, especially standard sailors, and really helps make your Laser easy to control.
Here are the products which are used for Sam's 8:1 Laser downhaul system:
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Had the boom and mast in stock. Order processed quickly, great service and local so could pick them up. Friendly and helpful staff as always. Thank you
Ordered this item for an alternative use for my young boy who loves playing spiderman and wrapping/tying objects up with different coloured string/rope.
Arrived quickly and with a fab assortment of different ropes. Perfect for the purpose of my purchase.
Thank you.
Good back, like the two separate pockets for wet and dry gear, however i find the wet pocket zip does seem to get stuck and would like the back to have straps like a rucksack so you can carry it on your back, other than that extremely happy with the 90l as it gives me tonnes of space for all my sailing gear
Delivered on time after chatting by phone to a very helpful person at Sailing chandlery. Absolutely no complaint with this Company and will continue to use them for my sailing needs.
I needed replacement Q Locks (a great product). Arrived in under 48 hours from ordering
A chandlery was the only place I could think where to get this. It's actually the strengthen the post for our washing line the steel wire (hoops both ends fitting diagonally from top of clothes post to base of another post 2 meters away supporting trellis between. The length of steel wire will soon disappear in the foliage & should provide addition structural support for many years.
Service was excellent with the length being ready before the expected date.
Worn these for a few races now and they have been excellent. Really high performing. They are grippy and super supportive even without using the zhik toe straps. I’ve raved about them so much that my crew and colleagues at the club have now also bought the same ones
Ordered this when my son's training sail got rippd in action. Pleased to find it here 20% cheaper than anywhere else and as always delivered correctly and in great time. Thankyou
The bag is well made and large enough for halyards as well as other items. I have used the 3M fixings but these are not really adequate and so the bags will need to be screwed in place.
I would buy again.
Delivery was on time. The O rings fitted the hatches on my topper topaz. No issues excellent service
I ordered the hiking pads for my son who was very pleased with them. The order was delivered within a few days. I’ve ordered items before from sailing chandlery and have not been disappointed with the service I received. Thank you
Loads of space in this bag for all of my kit, extra pockets are very helpful and the compartment inside keeps my dry and wet kit apart. Would recommend.
Not actually for a Topper but for a sailing canoe I have built. Pleased with the quality, delivered promptly, just the job thank you!
I’m using this with the Clamcleat CL211 and they pair perfectly. Strong and with the stiffness that I was looking for. Really pleased with the purchase and excellent quick service.
These work fantastically. Used with 6mm rope they grip instantly. Easy to adjust in small amounts and lock in with no effort at all. I was concerned that when the pressure comes off that the rope would release, but this isn’t the case at all. Really pleased with the purchase and rapid delivery.
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