4th Entry, 1607 Hours: As Alexis, Laura, Maria, Mia, Paige, and Shealynn douse the main course, we can see how each of the lines work. (Mouse over or click on the image to see the ladies put the sail in its gear.)

First, the clews pull the corners of the sail up to the mainyard.

Second, the martnets pull the sides of the sail snugly against the yard.

This just leaves a sagging "belly" in the sail. Once the bunts haul up the belly, the sail is considered "in its gear."

We might just be ready to go sailing!