1. It is much easier to hoist and drop the sail, one step being removed from the process.2. The skipper doesn’t have to worry whether a crew member is going to drop the topper instead of the main halyard.
3. Reefing is easier, as the boom goes up to meet the leech reef point.
4. There is less chafe on the leech.
5. Peace of mind that the boom will stay up if the halyard breaks.
6. But best of all, shape is maintained in light weather, as the weight of the boom does not drag the leech down.
7. For short handed sailing, greater control of every aspect of main handling results, especially when reefing with in-mast, in-boom systems or a traditional slab. This applies whether or not the sail is fitted with lazy jacks.
8. When reefing single handed, time at the mast is considerably reduced.
9. As there is no topping lift, the spare masthead sheave can be used for a spare main halyard, or a light mouse line for future halyard installation.
Apart from the peace of mind and greater freedom of sailing, a solid vang, which is more expensive than the old fashioned block and tackle style, will actually pay for itself over time. This is because the need to repair the main due to chafing from the topper has been eliminated and reefing damage is also kept to a minimum.
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Aye Matey, speak yer mind!