Hi All,

my very overdue update on our ANNIE's gaff to JR sloop conversion is nearly completed and I'll put it in my profile soon. Our internet speed is very poor, even in relatively suburban Scotland, so uploading photos is only a peicemeal affair I'm afraid.

Happily, I'm at the stage of looking for blocks for halyard, sheets and bits. Garhauer look to be the way to go, with the highly recommended torlon balls. I've been reading up on this forum, so thanks as always to all who have contributed to that discussion. Sad that they don't have a UK agent. Does anyone know if it still best to go direct to USA for these? I should look on the various agent's sites.

With our 51sqm sail, the whole bundle weighing in at just under 100kg (!) I am thinking 5:1 halyard, with two singles acting as a kind of span on the yard, one with becket  (set-up courtesy of Arne Kverneland). Am I best with a double and a single on the steel masthead fitting/crane or three singles? 

We are very nearly "there" and might even get a launch and trial sail over in Crinan (west coast Scotland) before she is once more laid up for winter. Almost sleepless with excitement!

Pol.