Oops. I deleted the body of the message one minute after writing it because I had uploaded the wrong picture. So, for starters, this photo has the blue main sheet led to the right winch--not the wrong one. I think I also deleted the body of the message because it was 52 percent degenerate opinionizing. But now, reading it again in the light of day, I disagree and find myself brilliant and professorial.
Glad you have a real traveler, Rick. They certainly look good, and as an owner they're right in our face, especially with all the King Kong sheaves right over the companionway. There is much compulsion here to get them beautiful and right and perhaps motorized.
I don;t control the main much with the traveler. Mine is too small anyhow.
But listen--when you ease the main in a lull, or to bump through some wakes, or to get laminar flow back, use the main sheet. That lets the top batten off and introduces twist.
A traveler is good for moving the boom inboard when close-hauled, and can control angle of attack and shape precisely.
However, it takes a racing eye to maintain these close settings and a stalled airfoil is always lurking.
So, in my opinion, the main sheet is the best bet for casual sailing, especially if you have a "cosmetic" (small) traveler, such as Ericson sold on my model.
End declaration of unsolicited opinions about travelers.
