Retractable lazy jack (similar to EZ jack or jiffy jack)

[N.A.]

This is why I asked... whatever I had thought of, it would not have been that simple. Spare sail ties I have : )

 

[bumbugo]

This is the best example of retractable lazy jacks I've discovered and how to rig them to be able to tie them away from the mast.

Port Townsend Sails on you tube,

Using Lazy Jacks on S/V Juichi with Sailmaker and Rigger Alison Wood​

I have raced on several 40+ racer/cruisers that have retractable lazy jacks. If rigged right and retracted correctly they do not interfere with sailing. I am in the process of installing lazy jacks on my E 32-3 which I race regularly but which I also cruise. Looking forward to easing the mainsail takedown short handed.

 

[jtsai]

Here is another option: swap the lower section of the lazy jacks with marine-grade shock cord. To retract them, simply pull the cord forward and secure it to the reef horn. After six years of use, the elastic remains in good condition, just a bit dirty.

 

[southofvictor]

We retract our lazy jacks before putting on the cover and then hold them off the mast with sail ties when needed (most nights at anchor, less often in the marina). On ours the forward side of the jack control line doesn’t slap, just the part aft of the top block. Ours are the PTR style shown in the youtube video above, and work well. Purchased before leaving Washington for Mexico at a point when time was more valuable than money, but I don’t think they’d be hard to make up just time
consuming.