Traveler sheet question

Jimbocky

Member II

• Apr 23, 2026

• #1

The line on here is a closed loop should it have this much slack? I am working on replacing and will splice the ends to clean up. Just wondering about the length.

 

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Dave G.

1984 E30+ (SOLD)

• Apr 24, 2026

• #2

IMHO, the amount of slack is a matter of preference. If you race slack is beneficial as it allows getting a better angle and grip in a stiff upwind leg. Sometimes getting that line out of a jam cleat takes a pretty good upward pop. If you are just cruising then probably less slack would be better maybe, just to keep it tidy and neat.

 

Christian Williams

E381 - Los Angeles

Senior Moderator

Blogs Author

• Apr 26, 2026

• #3

Is a closed loop necessary? Would a longer line permit two tails, and might that improve things?

 

Jimbocky

Member II

• Apr 26, 2026

• #4

I am open to suggestions. Cruising and racing and eventually ocean crossing. I am replacing all lines and I am throwing it to the wind. Closed loop just looks like some loose floppy extra line. But what do I know. All input accepted and encouraged. Goal is single handed long voyages. I have and auto pilot and a Sailomatic 700 windvane.

 

bgary

Advanced Beginner

Blogs Author

• Apr 27, 2026

• #5

I use a continuous loop that is long enough to reach from a few feet back from the traveler. The nice thing (?) about a continuous loop, for me, is that I can't grab the wrong line - getting the one line in my hand lets me move the car either direction.

$.02

 

MARLAUREN

Junior Member

• Apr 27, 2026

• #6

bgary said:

I use a continuous loop that is long enough to reach from a few feet back from the traveler. The nice thing (?) about a continuous loop, for me, is that I can't grab the wrong line - getting the one line in my hand lets me move the car either direction.

$.02

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