An apparatus and method for guiding a sail while it is being hoisted on a
sail-powered marine vessel are disclosed. The apparatus is a pre-feeder or
feeder for use on a forestay, mast, or foremast; the apparatus having two
oppositely-facing members that are movable in relationship to each other
thereby forming an adjustable opening for receiving and partially
encircling the luff portion of a sail. The two members are movable about a
hinge and a locking mechanism prevents the members from separating
inadvertently. For use with a forestay, the pre-feeder is attached near
the bow of the boat or directly to the forestay below the grooved track.
The method of using the pre-feeder includes gripping the two members and
pulling them apart, inserting the luff, closing the two members, and
pulling on a halyard attached to the sail. The apparatus and method of the
present invention can reduce the time required to hoist a sail and may be
performed by a single crewmember.
