Just a few more words... The winds at the time were measured at 33 knots. I have bent the plate back to it's original angle and it works just fine under "normal" conditions, although the metal may have fatigued some. So for future reference - in heavy winds keep three wraps on the winch, and have the winch handle available in case you need to take the pressure off the cam cleats to release the sheet. And... fly a more appropriate sail in heavier weather conditions

--Suzanne

Jack Be Quick

:: Hi Gang,
::
:: One of my cabintop winch "cleat plates", (a metal
:: bracket that the cam cleats are on) bent upwards like a
:: cheap spoon. Granted, I only had two wraps on, and the
:: wind was pretty crazy for flying a class jib on Memorial
:: day out by Alcatraz. Has anyone else had one of these
:: fail? And... where can we get another one, maybe
:: stronger?
::
:: --Suzanne

:: Jack Be Quick #196