T&T: Anchorage noises part 58-sailboat noise

[Larry H]

Having owned and lived aboard a sailboat many years ago,  I understand 
something about the noise of halyards.

Many sailors use the halyards as a high wind warning system.  After 
anchoring,  the halyards are snugged up against the mast until they stop 
slapping.  Later, if the wind rises, the halyards start to slap.  The sailor 
then tightens them again.  If the wind rises more, the slapping returns.

If no warning is needed or wanted, the correct procedure is to tie the 
halyards away from the mast where they don't slap.

Marina boats where the sailor doesn't live aboard are the worst offenders 
for halyard noise.  I kept short lengths of scarp line handy so that I could 
tie off halyards on unattended boats.  You would think that an owner would 
get the message when they return and find some has been on their boat and 
tied off the halyards, but they don't  always.

Larry H


----- Original Message ----- 



>I don't necessarily have a sense of relief when finding a sailboat
> dominated environment. When sizing up an anchorage or mooring field,
> one of the prime things I look for are boats (mostly sail) with wind
> generators; which almost always have one of the most irritating
> sounds of all. Throw in some clanking halyards and you can get a real
> cacophony on a breezy night.