The squall in the background of course is nice dramatic effect!
The forward strop is to attach to our mainsheet block, since the 3/8”, 1 year old stainless steel eye that had been attached the block failed while in route to the Marquesas. Fortunately, we rigged the strop before leaving Mexico, as a just-in-case precaution. It made quick work of getting the boom under control.
The second strop is in place as a spare. It can be used for mainsheet, reefing, boom topping lift, preventer, vang (we do also used a strop for the vang), etc. As mentioned last week's post, we also use strops- or soft shackles, from 1/4” Spectra line- in many other applications. Which reminds me to share just how much Jamie loves Spectra. I mean... sometimes, I feel a little threatened. I tease him that he wants to legally change his middle name to Spectra, and he doesn't object nearly enough.
The straps shown are made from 2” nylon tubular webbing. One length of webbing, rolled to the correct diameter so that it is 4 or 5 layers and then hand-sewn. Our good friends on Ceilydh loaned us their Sailrite machine. This was great for a bunch of pre-passage projects, but not the strops- they are too thick. Break out the sailmaker's palm...
Jamie feels the need to point out the mainsheet twist (old double braid) in the picture. It drove him nuts! He'd work it out, but it would quickly re-emerge. A different line choice is in order for the next mainsheet.