Racing an MG with a Self Tacker

The basic difference is that once the jib is set there is no need to adjust through the tacks. It is particularly well suited to an MG14, more so than, say, an NS14.

The crew comes in from the wire, rotates the mast and then jumps out on the new side. It also helps through a gybe where you don't need to worry about the jib. Pull enough tension until the crease forms in the foot then ease until it sets. If you over-sheet the jib the self tacker will not run freely through the tacks. It serves as a safeguard not to oversheet and choke the jib.

How to Make a Self Tacker

Other advantages

  • Because the jib does not flog through the tacks or gybes it keeps its new shape longer.
  • You can sheet into the centre and point up at the start line.
  • The skipper can lean forward and adjust the traveller while the crew is on the wire. (Good when the breeze kicks in ... you can just flick it out to the end of the traveller.)
  • Once you've set the righi tension, that's it!! You don't have to worry whether or not the crew has set the jib right every time you tack. It's now automatic.
  • Because you don't have to release or reset the jib, you can tack in an instant and be sailing on the new tack quicker.
  • The jib won't back wind, so when you are sailing in, say, a flukey westerly when you can get a violent knock, the jib simply runs along the traveller and back again once the knock goes.
  • In heavy wind you have to be quick out on the wire.
  • Once you go through the tack you're racing because the jib will be set, The best method is to send the crew in first to rotate the mast and follow him /her through.
  • As the crew rotates throw the helm down. By the time you sit yourself down on the new side the crew should be out on the wire and you can start to bring the main on.

Greg Roche

Note from the editor

Greg fitted this self tacking jib to MG328 'Filthy Phase' which he sold to me at the end of the 98/99 season.  The system works extremely well, especially with inexperienced crews.  However I find that the system has a couple of drawbacks.  The crew only has a very thin jib sheet to hold onto when out on the trapeze and it is at such an angle that it cannot be used by the crew to stabalise himself in the rougher weather. 

I recently had the fortunate experience of having Kieth Laird crew for me at the Gosford Touring Trophy event as my regular crew (my son Tom)  was unavailable.  Kieth, for those who don't know him, has sailed MG's for many years but is now sailing out of Saratoga with a modified Tequila hull and a 14' skiff rig. 

The Gosford event was fairly windy with gusts to 20-25 knotts and Kieth insisted on having the mainsheet upwind.  After the initial unease at not having control of the main, or a sheet to hang on to (I tend to hang on to supplement my leg muscles), I soon got used to the idea and with both hands free for the mainsheet, Kieth was able to adjust the main far quicker than I could in the gusty conditions.  Kieth also tells me that it is easier for the crew to feel the wind from out on the trapeze and he can react quicker to keep the boat flat.  It certainly worked for us that day as we finished third on scratch having rounded the first mark at the back.  I was able to concentrate more on the wind and keeping the boat sailing fast.  We led the race by 100 mtrs after the run .  I still have a double luff kite and was able to get down the run quicker than the asymmetrics in the strong wind.  However, with my inexperience on the helm, and the speed of the asymmetrics on the next 3 screaming reaches, we had dropped to third before the final, short work to the finish. 

While Kieth controlled the main upwind, I would take it back for the tacks and when the wind dropped below trapezing strength (which wasn't very often).  I was able to make  any necessary adjustments to the jib as the jib sheets are easy to reach from the helm when the crew is out on the trapeze. 

This technique for strong air sailing is obviously not restricted to boats with self-tacking jibs, but it does help not having to worry about it through the tacks.  I would suggest that you may like to try it,  assuming your crew is experienced enough and willing to take control of the main. 

Bob Taig