harness lines

Question
hey windlover just picked up my harness today, i was wondering if it is just a matter of preference or if there's a guide on where along the boom to place the lines or what factors come into it, in some photographs the guys seem to have differant preferred places?
Thank you again

Answer
Hey Aaron,

There is some preference in regards to how far apart to place the lines but the location depends upon the sail. Here is how to determine that;

Rig the sail and stand it up. Grab the boom and sheet in (pulling down slightly to keep the mast pushing into the ground). Start moving your hands together a little bit at a time until you find the CE or center of effort of the sail. You can actually get to a point where you can hold on with one and then one or two fingers. Find this balance point and then place your harness lines at equal distances from the center of this point. Average width placement should be about 8-10".

Now go ahead and hook into the harness. Lean back against the pull of the sail while sheeting in. If you get pulled forward, adjust the lines forward about 1/2" at a time. If the sail want to fall back, adjust the lines back.

This will get you fairly close to where you will need them. Now go out on the water and see how it feels. Again, if the sail wants to pull you forward, adjust lines forward. Sail wants to go back, adjust back. You will probably need to drop into the water to move the lines, but that just gives you an opportunity to practice a waterstart.

It takes some time and patience to get your lines tuned in but you should be able to hook in and literally let go of the boom. Try one hand at a time and as you get balanced, then both hands. If the lines are adjusted correctly, the sail should stay balanced. If it goes either forward or back, adjust accordingly. As you get dialed in, you may want to move the lines closer together. This will be a preference, not a must do. I usually have mine about 8" apart and I see some folks with them 2" apart. As long as you find the balance, that is what matters most.

The length is somewhat critical for good balance and best performance. If you are using a waist or chest harness, they will be shorter. If using a seat harness, then a bit longer. This varies with every sailor due to different heights and boom placement. You should be able to get into the harness line easily. But, you also need to be able to place all the weight of the sail on the harness without stretching your arms to the limit. You should be able to rest comfortably in the harness and just steer with your arms. You just need to work out the length to find your comfort level.

To find a good starter length, lay the sail down, place your hand on the boom right between the lines. Then swing up the line behind your elbow. It should just come around the elbow for a seat harness. For a waist or chest harness, it should be 1-2" shorter from the elbow. This will get you in the range and you can make minor adjustments after spending some time on the water. Try to get your balance points dialed in and then fine tune the length.

Hope this will help you get hooked in.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover