roger cook wrote:

Gavin Dalglish wrote:

roger cook wrote:Hello Thanks for all the comments Has anybody got information on sizes, type of wood used etc, I have some hardwood, that I intend to play about with and just have pictures taken from the internet, but nothing with any actual.plans. Thanks

Roger Hello gavin , Yes I am interested, where I live, wood isn't a problem, but if you have some blocks you longer require, please let me know. Does the sail plan/ size of sail dictate the size of block, my sail will be 240sq ft approx, Thank you

I've got a complete set of brand new euphroes and the accompanying small blocks (can't remember the correct name) made in some sort of hardwood (probably teak), made for me by Sunbird about 30 years ago. Never used them, they are in perfect condition, let me know if you're interested and I'll dig them out.

Cheers

Gavin

I'll dig them out and send you some photos/dimensions. I think they were either for a 248 or 320 sq ft sail. They are pretty chunky, wouldn't want to be thumped round the head with one! I'm over in UK in a couple of weeks so could arrange some sort of delivery. Gavin

roger cook wrote:Hello Thanks for all the comments Has anybody got information on sizes, type of wood used etc, I have some hardwood, that I intend to play about with and just have pictures taken from the internet, but nothing with any actual.plans. Thanks

I've got a complete set of brand new euphroes and the accompanying small blocks (can't remember the correct name) made in some sort of hardwood (probably teak), made for me by Sunbird about 30 years ago. Never used them, they are in perfect condition, let me know if you're interested and I'll dig them out.

Cheers

Gavin

Greetings all,

We have used euphroes with no problems.  Reefing is fast enough, although some adjustments are needed to the sheet span line if we are close hauled.  I like the ease of replacing sheet parts with the simple system.  

We tried different methods for friction control...what worked best was using unfinished wood that we wipe with lemon oil once in a while.  We've never had a slipped line.

As for flying euphroes and ducking crew, we have them rigged high.  So if it hits you, the boom got you first.  The upper block of the sheets' block and tackle is more likely the one to whack you. 

Hello Roger,

Slightly off-topic, but i have a Skye-related question for you if you have a mo'...

Months ago i stumbled on a website that was was about a prototype junk-rigged yacht being built by some kind of community group on Skye. The boat had an interesting horizontal vane trim tab self-steering mechanism. She was carvel-planked wood, and i think the mast was in a tabernacle. She reminded me of the MacNaughten designs.

Since i first stumbled upon the website I've tried in vain to find it again, to no avail. Know you of such a community project on the island?

Cheers,

Matt

Hi Dave,

That sounds like an interesting idea – it'll be great to hear, if you get to try it out! For single sheets it seems especially intriguing.

In the model testing for AUKLET's new rig, it's the double sheets that made the euphroes seem like the way to go. The mainsail (yawl rig) has double sheets in order to keep the cockpit clear. This is working out well, so far, in practice. On the model, when we tried the double sheets without euphroes – as in the more standard Western arrangement – all the extra line of the standard sheets did not inspire confidence when it came to gybing. All let out for broad reaching or running, all those long parts dragging across the cabin during a gybe made for a lot of snagging on the way. The euphroe arrangement really helps to keep that under control. The difference was so striking on the model that I completely let go of setting up the boat for the possibility of long main sheets running back and forth to blocks. But again, this especially had to do with the double sheets, and keeping the cockpit clear. Maybe this would also be relevant in sheeting a foresail with double sheets…

Cheers,
Shemaya