#1
MAINSHEET
This system is based on the typical Aussie Skiff Mainsheet System. It is commonly used on dinghies, skiffs and small sports boats, with a 3:1 end-boom purchase system. The blocks shown in the image are RF48109 x 3 and RF62175 x 1. Sailors of smaller boats may wish to substitute the RF48109’s for RF35101’s. The RF62175 can be substituted for RF62174 if the cleat is not desired. Smaller boats can use RF56101. The bridle can be constructed from Dyneema® such as Robline Ocean 3000 XG. An adjustable splice on each end (where it connects to the hull) is desirable so that the bridle height can be adjusted so that at max Vang and Cunningham the bridle is just block to block; this ensures the boom is on the centreline for height upwind. If possible, use a tapered mainsheet, which should be set up so that the “thin part” can’t ever go into the ratchet block when fully sheeted.
MWL = 325kg (715 lb)
Max Line Size = 9mm (5/16")
#2
MAINSHEET
This 4:1 system is commonly used on dinghies and small sports boats with a traveller. The traveller allows accurate trimming, particularly in light air upwind, or on a reach where you want to close the leech without using the vang. Typically boats like this would use traveller car RC11905 on RC1190 track.
MWL = 400kg (880lb)
Max Line Size = 10mm (3/8")*
*RF6 max line 8mm (5/16")
VARIATIONS Die-hard racers can replace the forward RF48109 and the RF48109 on the traveller with RF35109HL to reduce windage, however a tapered sheet would need to be used. Purchase can be increased as required by changing blocks to doubles etc if needed.
#3
MAINSHEET
This system is representative of what could be used on a high-performance multihull. Given the extreme loads involved in taming big square top mainsails, and the righting moment generated by high-volume floats with foils, it would be preferable to contact your local Ronstan Representative to discuss your options before proceeding. The image shows RF69109A blocks however RF69109 may be suitable.
MWL = 1800kg (3970 lb)
Max Line Size = 12mm (1/2")
#4
MAINSHEET
This 9:1 Cascading Mainsheet System is our go-to system on high performance cats like the Classic A Class or Taipan 4.9 (cat rig). The powerful sheeting system delivers both grunt and incredibly low friction. The high-load (HL) blocks on the rear cascade deliver the most efficient performance possible and our iconic 55mm ratchet mounted on the tramp delivers the control to make the most of it. Initially these systems require a little tinkering to get the lengths right, as there is a narrow “window” where the line lengths work; you need to be able to ease enough to slow down, but still have enough travel left to sheet on hard in light air. The RF8081 Shock, mounted on shock cord, keeps the sheet from getting tangled on the mast spanner.
#5
MAINSHEET
This 6:1 system is still an excellent solution when a moderately powerful, yet compact system is desired. Using our Series 40 Orbit Blocks™, the RF46330 features our iconic ratchet sheave, reducing fatigue during big sessions on the water. The ratchet sheave can be replaced using part number RF46000 if required in the future. The headpost on both blocks can be left free to swivel or locked at 0 or 90 degrees if required. The maximum rope size for this system is 9mm, however a tapered sheet such as Robline TD-4570 would be ideal. Overall height when block to block approx. 208mm.
This mainsheet system is appropriate for Hobie 16's, "Trailer Sailors", or for a dinghy 16:1 mainsheet system.
MWL = 500kg (1100 lb)
Max Line Size = 10mm (3/8")
#6
MAINSHEET
This 4:1 system provides a simple solution for boats where something simple, yet effective, is desired, such as on homebuilt cruising dinghies or club racers. The RF56530 features our 55mm Ratchet Sheave to provide plenty of holding power. The hole through the centre of the upper sheave is used as a becket take-off point. The system can be used with line up to 10mm however a tapered line of approx. 8.5mm in the hands and 5mm in the remainder of the system would be ideal. Make sure that when block to block the 8.5mm line is still in the ratchet sheave, otherwise your holding power will disappear very quickly!
MWL = 500kg (1100 lb)
Max Line Size = 10mm (3/8")
#7
MAINSHEET
Off-the-shelf two-speed racing mainsheet system (3:1 coarse, 6:1 fine) suitable for yachts and sportsboats to 11m (36ft). Pull on both sheets for quick adjustment, one sheet for fine tune.
MWL = 800kg (1760 lb)
Max Line Size = 12mm (1/2")
VARIATIONS Replace RF72700 with RF72900 for yachts up to 12m (40ft).
#8
MAINSHEET
This incredibly powerful system is ideal for high performance yet relatively light/small racing boats. The yellow line (3:1 coarse tune for quick sheeting) in the diagram is tapered so that the thick part can’t go into the ratchet sheave when fully sheeted. The purple line (21:1 fine tune for accurate trimming) could be tapered if you were a real enthusiast, however being such a small diameter, the gains would be minimal. You would likely set the RF35302 as far forward in the boom as possible to maximise the travel of the fine tune. High load exit blocks, RF45711HL or RF35711HL, are used to lead the lines inside the boom, where the 7:1 fine tune is kept tucked away for minimal windage when powering upwind. If required a ratchet block, RF62175, could be used on the boom, however this is likely overkill in most applications since the load on the fine tune is relatively low.
MWL = 250kg (550lb)
Max Line Size = 10mm (3/8")
#9
MAINSHEET
This Grand Prix system is based on a system developed during the IMS days for use on mid-sized boats racing under that rule. Of course, we have come a long way since then, so we have revisited this system and updated it with our latest hardware.
The yellow line (coarse tune) offers 4:1 purchase to allow quick sheeting around corners through a pivoting low lead ratchet block mounted on the cockpit floor. The blue line (fine tune) offers 24:1 purchase for getting the trim where you want it once everyone is settled on the rail. The limiting factor in this situation is likely the cleat on the RF72175 (load through cleat not to exceed 125kg).
If you are building something as extreme as the sporty keelboat in the image above, please consult your local Ronstan Representative as the loads on such a boat should be worked through on a case-by-case basis.
Max Rope = 10mm
#10
MAINSHEET
This 4:1 system delivers real grunt at an affordable price, ideal for cruisers or cruiser/racers. This system can essentially be scaled to suit a wide variety of boats by changing the hardware (for example replacing the Series 75 Core Blocks™ with Series 75 Orbit Blocks™, or our Core 100 Range). The example in the image is a somewhat extreme example; in most applications the sheet would be led down the side of the cabin via a suitable stand up or pivoting low lead block, then back to a winch (see system 11). The cockpit ergonomics of a single winch means that this system is likely better suited to passage races or cruising, where trimming from the windward side all day isn’t necessarily required. Our patented QuickTrim™ self-tailing feature on the RA6402 will however make this system vastly more friendly to both sailors and sails than earlier versions with standard winches.
MWL = 1500kg
Max Line Size = 10mm (3/8")
#11
MAINSHEET
This system, commonly known as “The German System” from the Admirals Cup Days, is both simple and incredibly popular on keelboats big and small. Given the wide variety of block options and different ways to integrate the bottom block into the traveller car it is recommended to contact your local Ronstan Representative to discuss the best solution for your yacht before purchasing. The block on the traveller car should be at least one size bigger than the others, e.g., if you have 60mm blocks on the boom and deck, put a 75mm block on the car due to the 180-degree turn.
MWL = 1000kg (2200lb)
Max Line Size = 12mm (1/2")
#12
MAINSHEET
Powerful and compact two speed racing mainsheet system. The 6:1 coarse tune provides rapid sheeting while the 24:1 fine tune provides all the power you will ever need. The single take off point makes the system ideal for mounting on traveller cars or central mounted positions. An ideal system for sports boats and trailerable multihulls.
MWL = 750kg (1650lb)
Max Line Size = 10mm (3/8”) coarse, 9mm (5/16”) fine
VARIATIONS Splice the coarse and fine tune tails together so you can remain on the rail while gathering the required sheet.
#13
MAINSHEET
Powerful 9:1 system popular with large off-the-beach catamarans and trailerable multihulls where constant sheeting is required.
MWL = 750kg (1650lb)
Max Line Size = 10mm (3/8”)
VARIATIONS Upgrade to RC1221 car for more powerful traveller controls. Increase mainsheet purchase even more to 10:1 by changing RF45201 to RF45211, add an RF45101 hanging from the RF55410 (lashed through the hollow hub)and dead end at the becket on the RF45211.
Blocks with numbered sheaves are placed so sheaves are one behind the other and the front sheave is #1, second from the front is #2, etc. The bottom block (RF56330B ) is positioned with its sheaves side by side with the cleat facing toward you. The cleat side of each sheave is indicated with an ‘F’.
Schematics are for illustrative purposes only - products and setup details may vary based on real-life considerations. Further details regarding product specifications and applications may be found on the individual product pages. Please refer to our Definitions & Customer Considerations and Fittings & Equipment General Guidance before selecting a product. If unsure, or for additional guidance in product selection, please feel free to contact us.
