Jib Topping Lifts

Steve Lang

A topping lift is a line that supports the end of a boom - usually to keep the weight of the boom from affecting the set of the sail. In models, like the CR914 that use cantilevered jib booms, the jib topping lift is very important alleviates the mechanical load transmitted by the jib boom.

The jib boom transmits, in part, the tension of the forestay (through the jib boom fulcrum point) to the aft edge of the jib (leach). In light air sailing, this tension keeps the jib leach too tight for good air flow through the slot between the main and the jib.

The only authorized method of alleviating this leach tension on the CR-914, is the use of a topping lift. Springs, counter weights, etc., are clearly prohibited by class regulations.

There are many ways to rig a topping lift, but the following method is simple and effective.

1) Install a small loop on the end of the jib boom. I like to drill a small hole vertically through the aft end of the boom as close to the end as possible. Then feed a loop of string through the hole, with the loop on top, and knot the ends at the bottom of the hole and glue in place.

2) Take a length of string that is long enough to run from the end of the jib boom to the top of the jib plus about 4". At one end, tie in a small snap link so it can be snapped into the loop you installed in the boom in step 1. I use a small fishing leader snap available at any fishing shop. The reason for the snap is so you can undo the topping lift while sailing in moderate to heavy winds. If you don't, this line can foul on the spreaders and really cause havoc.

3) About two inches from the snap, tie an overhand knot in the string. Before tightening this knot, slip the end of one strand out of a bungy cord, or a piece of rubber band, into the knot. Tighten the knot and drop a bit of CA glue to hold. The rubber strand should be 2" long. Now tie another overhand knot in the lift line about 3" above the other and insert the other end of the elastic strand into the knot, tighten and glue as noted. The result should be a sting that will straighten under load, but when the load is off, the elastic will take up the slack.

4) At the top of the lift line install a bowsie. Then thread the string though a loop tied in the jib halyard about an inch above the attachment to the jib. What you want is a way for the jib topping lift to be tight without actually coming in contact with the leach of the jib. Tie into the bowsie and glue the knot. (See article on Double Whammy as it pertains to topping lifts)

What you now have is a topping lift that can easily be adjusted while your boat is in the water. Adjust the tension in light air so that the leach of the jib approximates the curve of the closest part of the mainsail. When it blows harder, unsnap the topping lift line at the boom, and re-snap to the loop at the bottom of one of your shrouds. That will keep it out of the way until needed again.

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