Couple questions about 1982 Capri Omega

Hello,

Recently purchased a Capri Omega. Found manuals in this forum. But, two questions still remain.

1) There's an extra rope that is on a pulley at the top of the mast. I have identified all halyards, jib and main sheets, outhaul, etc. But, this one I am not sure of. New to sailing so it may not be too strange... The rope is approximately 2 times the length of the mast and has a cleat just for this rope at the bottom. At the top of the mast, the pulley is facing aft. The rope has a bowline knot at one end and a stopper knot on the other.

2) The main sail simply sets in the tabernacle, but there aren't any holes or pins that I have to fasten it down. So, apparently, it rests in the tabernacle and the stays keep it in place. This doesn't seem right; however, it does feel sturdy once it's all assembled.

Thanks for the insight.

Sam

Sounds like the extra line is your topping lift. If so, it should attach to the end of the boom, that keeps the boom from falling into the cockpit when the mainsail is taken down.

That's it! thanks. Now that I got a name associated with it and searched it then it made perfect sense because I have two bumps on my head for the times I lowered the main sail and weren't prepared for the boom coming down, too.

Before I go out I do have that one last question about the mast not being pinned down. It just seems strange that there isn't a positive attachment method. Would hate to see my mast go flying into the lake on my maiden voyage!

Thanks for the response.

Sam

I think your Capri Omega may be different from the Capri 14.2s on this forum. My Mod 2 Capri has a tabernacle on the cabintop. The mast is secured with a through-bolt that passes through a hole in the mast itself and through slots on both sides of the tabernacle.

However... I think it would not be all that unusual to have a rig in which the mast simply rests inside a tabernacle. The load of the standing rigging essentially "pulls" the mast down into the tabernacle, keeping it from popping out. At least, in theory.

When you step your mast, do you have to lift it "up" to set it in there, and then connect some stays or shrouds? After the stays and shrouds are rigged, can you pull up on the mast and move it out of the tabernacle? (I'm guessing you cannot.)

Stepping the mast

I have a 1981 Capri Omega 14 and my mast also steps into the floor of the cockpit rather than on the deck (since there is no deck on the older boats). Mine has two athwartship pins through the bracket, which is screwed into the deck of the cockpit. I engage the aft pin first with the mast when I am stepping it and raising it. The forward pin engages the mast and in theory gives more strength. There is nothing other than the weight of the mast and the pull from the stays that holds it in place. So I think your rig is as designed. I am also new to Capri's and am just telling you how mine is rigged. Good luck.