Boy, howdy. All it takes is one Ensenada Santa Ana wind with 3 days of wildfires, ashes, and ochre dust as finely-ground as Dutch cocoa, to make GB want to protect the Fox’s precious ropes ‘n’ strings from further onslaught. That, and 3 days of washing everything on the boat – including all the Fox’s precious ropes ‘n’ strings. Enter the Pfaff.
Initially we went for something that would just protect the lines when we were at anchor or docked – so in October while still in Ensenada I designed Sunbrella bags that attached to the lifelines or pulpits with a Velcro flap, in which one could stuff the lines, and then use a second flap with Velcro to cover the lines as they rested inside the bag. Observe:
Roller furler line, before – and after: 
I made similar bags for the geniker outhaul line and the two jib sheets. Details: for finished bags for the smaller-diameter lines of the geniker outhaul and the roller furler, that used 1/2" hems throughout (except for a 4" hem for the top flap) and would measure 12" wide and 16-1/4" high on the side attached to the rail or lifeline, and 17" high on the inboard side where the covering flap is, I cut a piece of Sunbrella that measured 37" x 13". I cut two strips of Velcro (both hook and wool sides) of 12" each. I sewed the two hook sides of Velcro parallel to each other on the back of these bags at distances of 4-1/2" and 5-5/8" from the top edge of the bag. I sewed one wool Velcro strip on the outer top edge of the bags, sewing the second wool Velcro strip on the inside of the bag. For the larger-diameter jib sheets I cut a piece of Sunbrella 48-3/4" x 17" and followed the same design.
Yes, I realize these details provide no guidance whatsoever. But all the numbers make the post look more thoughtful.
However, as we were underway from Ensenada to Islas San Benito, it occurred to us that it would be better to modify these sheet bags to use while sailing. So, for added security I added snaps to either end of the line of Velcro on the flap that attaches the bags to the boat; and GB set two grommets in the bottom of the bags to allow water drainage. This was a wee task we completed at anchor in the San Benitos. Result: now when underway the sheet bags keep our lines tidy and out from underfoot in the cockpit and on the side decks, yet remain hyper-handy for actual sailing activities and remain affixed to the boat no matter how assertive our line-cramming activities. Bonus: when we’re using the jib/genoa, we move the jib sheet bags aft to the cockpit to hold the main halyard and reefing lines. Plus the grommets in all the bags drain most of the water from any boarding waves the Fox might encounter. At anchor or in port, the sheet bags stay where they are, their covers are deployed and Velcroed snug, and we look like the most anal-retentive prissy boat for miles around.
Sweet.
m
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