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Soundings: The Master’s Series, Ask the Soundings Experts

Q: I’m thinking about installing lazy-jacks or a Dutchman system to aid in dousing my sails. Which is best?

A: Both lazyjacks and the Dutchman are dependable, non-mechanical sail-control systems. Lazyjacks are known for their simplicity and are a great help in guiding the mainsail aloft, as well as containing it atop the boom when dropped.

But lazyjacks require the skipper to keep precisely head-to-wind and carefully monitor the process, since battens sometimes can snare the lazyjack lines and create problems as the sail comes down under its own weight or is hoisted.

Although less expensive than a Dutchman, lazyjacks don’t attach to the sail.  As a result, the sail drops into a pile along the boom.  Battens provide some orderliness, but flaking is usually necessary before putting on the sail cover.  Using a StackPack zippered sail cover can ease this process, since it remains on the boom and the sail drops into it like a pod.

Lazyjacks also tend to put creases in the sails and cause chafe, shortening their life span. However, lazyjacks are better suited for older sails, which often are somewhat worn and softened.  Installing lazyjacks also means it might be necessary to modify your sail cover to accommodate the lines.

With a Dutchman system, the sail is doused and flaked at the same time.  A series of grommets are mounted into the sail and are threaded with control lines that lead upward, similar to a Roman window shade. Most experts concur that a Dutchman, albeit more expensive, is both easier to use and gentler on sailcloth than lazyjacks. Keep in mind that the Dutchman should be installed by a sailmaker because only perfect alignment will assure proper operation.  Also, a Dutchman, unlike lazyjacks, isn’t suitable for gaff-rigged boats.

Testimonial from Norris & Janet Larson
On the Easy Reach
(a Pearson 424 ketch)

Martin van Breems and his company are conscientious business people who stand behind their product like no one Janet and I have had recent experience with. Their model is more European than American – to produce the best product they can and make a reasonable profit doing so, rather than focusing on how rapidly they can make a big bundle. And, they were gracious hosts to Janet and me while we were there – inviting us to use their dock and taking us to a distant supermarket to provision. Our experience with Martin, Wendy, and Tim made it one of our best days of the summer.

How did we come to meet the van Breems? Last year (2007), we had new full battened main and mizzen sails made with Dutchman furling systems. After installation, it seemed to me that things were not quite right. I took several photos and showed them to Martin at the Sail Chicago show where he goes every year. He was concerned with what he saw. We discussed what to do and I told him we would be in Long Island Sound during the coming summer. He invited us to stop by his facility at the south end of Norwalk Harbor, Connecticut, and said he would fix any problems at no charge.

That he did. As it turned out, the problems were with the installation, particularly with over-tensioned battens distorting the sails. Martin’s analysis and advice to shorten the battens saved our several thousand dollars worth of new sails. He also relocated some fairleads and gave me patient coaching and instruction on how to adjust the system properly. I mentioned to him that I had contracted for three control lines on the main and that the sailmaker had installed two without consulting me. Martin gave me the parts to add a third control, again at no charge.

Jon Wilson
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
WoodenBoat and Professional BoatBuilder magazines

"At first, I wasn't particularly interested in the Dutchman, but Dave Simmons at Hood suggested I consider it. As soon as I saw the video, it was easy to see how useful the system could be, and I told him to go ahead. Now that it's adjusted, I'm quite impressed.

"Under any circumstances, we can drop the main fast without worrying about it spilling onto the side deck or overboard, or obstructing the helmsperson's view.

"I have a traditional boat and aesthetics play a big part, so I was a little uneasy at first about how all these fittings would appear on the sail, but, in fact, they are very inconspicuous.

"I like the effect of its general visual transparency and the reduced windage, as compared with ordinary lazy jacks. It really is good system."

Jon Wilson

Bill Lee
Bill Lee Yachts

"I thought the Dutchman was just another marginal gimmick, but most of the recent Santa Cruz 70s and 52s have Dutchmans, and all the owners love them. One is on the delivery main of Mirage, an all-out racing 70; one is on Hotel California II, a 100-percent-cruising 70; and one is on Chardonnay II, a day-charter 70 for 49 passengers. The system is really functional. 'Fast is fun' even when stowing a main."