On Shenanigans we installed Harken Ratchamatic blocks as turning blocks. With the right person overhauling the new sheet you can get 90% of the sheet in and the ratchet provides enough grip to get the sheet to the weather primary for the final trim. Once released, the auto-ratchet feature allows the sheet to run freely during a tack.

The key is the caliber of the person handling your trimming. Timing is key and ample upper body strength is required to get you out of a poor cut/overhaul which will happen from time to time.

Going to the cabin top is an option for the 3 when you what to play in puffing conditions but the lead is not true coming over the hatch flange which creates chafe and sheet wear for us.

My .02

Nick

:: I'm going to try this out when I re-rig my boat. Not
:: sure if I'm going to go cabin top or not. One thing the
:: J's do is have the helmsman grind in the final few
:: inches on the sheet and I don't think this would be
:: possible with the winch on the cabin top.
::
:: :: It looks like most boats have gone to cross sheeting or
:: :: winches mounted on the cabin top.
:: ::
:: :: I was wondering for the cross sheeting if anyone had
:: :: thought about using the lopez blocks for this?
:: ::
:: :: For those not familiar with the lopez block, it is a cam
:: :: cleat mounted to a block. This allows you to pull in the
:: :: genoa sheet and cleat it to stay in place before
:: :: wrapping it around the winch. These are used on the J/24
:: :: for example.