A Simple Self Tacker.

by Greg Roche.

(Mar 1999 revised Oct 2007)

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Materials

1 metre Harken Micro CB 2707-1m Low Beam track ordered pre bent to desired radius, which is the distance between the bearing point at the forestay and the projection of the jib sheeting point as shown in the photos here. (This radius is 1380mm)

The track is odered as flat horizontal bend (not compound bend.)
1 - Traveler car & block Harken 2703 and Ti Lite block
2 - Single blocks.
2 - Cleats
7 metres 4mm pre- stretch or Spectra line. Jib line.
4 metres 2 or 3 mm Spectra line. Track line to front of boat & traveler adjuster.
Track Side supports.

Racing an MG with a Self Tacker.

The basic difference is that once the jib is set there is no need to adjust through the tacks. It is particularly well suited to an MG 14.

The crew comes in from the wire, rotates the mast and then jumps out on the new side.
It also helps through a gybe where you don't need to worry about the jib.
If you over sheet the jib the self tacker will not run freely through the tacks.
It serves as a safeguard not to over sheet and choke the jib.
Because the jib does not flog through the tacks or gybes it keeps its new shape longer.
You can sheet into the centre and point up at the start line.
The skipper can lean forward and adjust the traveler while the crew is on the wire. Good when the breeze kicks in, you can just flick it out to the end of the traveler.
Once you've set the right tension, that's it !! You don't have to worry whether or not the crew has set the jib right every time you tack. It's now automatic.
Because you don't have to release or reset the jib, you can tack in an instant and be sailing on the new tack quicker. The jib won't back wind, so when you are sailing in say a flukey westerly when you can get a violent knock, the jib simply runs along the traveler and back again once the knock goes.

In heavy wind you have to be quick out on the wire. Once you go through the tack your racing because the jib will be set. The best method is to send the crew in first to rotate the mast and follow him/her through. As the crew rotates, throw the helm down. By the time you sit yourself down on the new side the crew should be out on the wire and you can start to bring the main on. You can also simply ease the jib a little before you tack.

Greg Roche.