Down haul for jib

 I added a downhaul for the jib a week ago.  It is a thin line of 7/64 dyneema that runs forward to the base of the jib tack through the fair leads of the furler that is no longer on board.  I can pull down the jib without going forward and then lock it down.

It is spliced into 6mm double braid to make it easier on the hands.  

Today I went out solo for the first time this season.  Winds were gusting up to 22 knots.  The downhaul was very handy.

In previous trips with a double crew it has been handy as well.  It is one of the improvements that makes spinnaker time less crazy.

It does have a down side.  It can get tangled or I forget to loosen it before raising the jib.  Minor.

I secure it to the top hank and let ot run through the next two down.  Don’t secure it to the jib head with the halyard.  That just binds up.