Flutter clutter

A fluttering leech makes a racket like a helicopter, it wears out a sail quicker than the wildest gale and it ditches air that could be helping the cause of progress. Most of us don’t flinch from giving the genoa leech line that firm tug that’s just enough to put it to sleep. The main can be more of a challenge. The clew may be hard to get at or out of reach altogether, and the wretched thing often demands attention after reefing. A decent sail will have its leech line exposed with a clam cleat at each reef. As soon as the fluttering starts, clip on and go climbing. Heave the line down and slip the bight into the cleat. If you really can’t reach, form a hook from a stout metal coat hanger and lash it to a broom handle then contrive a round turn to do the vital business.