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Keeping the cockpit clear of sheets



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What is the issue?
Lines can coil untidily in and around an active cockpit causing a mess and a difficult working environment.


Why address this?
Loose lines are annoying when they lay about in the cockpit. They make it difficult to find a comfortable footing, kink, tangle or jam and collect dirt. It is hard to find a particular line amongst a snakes honeymoon in the cockpit sole when you need it, and potentionally you and your passengers are likely to trip over them. The only way to effectively clear them is to hand coil them and hang them. However, this takes some time and once a trim is required you are obliged to release the hand coils to reset and recoil again.

How to address this?
Make special sheet pockets convenient to the location where the lines live - as shown above. Line pockets are a handy way to keep the vessel's lines in order and your cockpit a little more organised. Construct them in a fashion so they drain and the lines will keep dry, and you can also use them for stashing things that need to dry out.

Aft cockpit line pockets
Photo: Michael Harpur

Creating line pockets is a straightforward sewing project and ultimately rewarding. Neatness counts, especially because it’s also safer.

Line pocket integrated into a spray dodger
Photo: Michael Harpur


With thanks to:
Michael Harpur, with thanks to Sea Chest, Kilmore Quay.




How to Make Sailboat Sheet Bags


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