Racing this last weekend at our local sailing club. Wind was great, 10-12mph with gusts to 15 or so. Starboard tack, trapped out, single handed, going to windward mark and putting some water between me and the Thistles/MC Scows/M20 Scow/Lasers/PHRF Fleet. All of a sudden, I was in the water.
My 5.2 is old. 1980. Sat in the sun most of its life. The original Nacra trap handle has a plastic tab on the bottom that the adjuster attaches to. The tab broke, and I got to take a swim. Fortunately, in my right hand, I had a death grip on the main/traveller/jib sheets. Unfortunately, in my left hand, I also had a death grip on the fiberglass tiller extension that did not like making a 90 degree turn against the windward hull.
Long story short, the sun had taken its toll on the plastic. You might want to consider replacing the trap handles on the older boats that have this type rig.
Terry
Terry,
I think it's safe to say that all standing rigging should be replaced every 5 years or at the first sign of fatigue, whichever comes first.
Glad to hear you survived the dunking.
Terry - I'm about ready to go try the single handing on my 5.2 that I got last month. Makes me feel good to realize that last person about a year ago replaced all 4 trap systems as he got ready to race it. Then he switched boats and never put it in the water, but at least they are all new and hopefully I'll keep from sharing your go swimming maneuver!
Dick