Cam cleats play a crucial role in managing the mainsheet, the primary control line that governs the angle and trim of the mainsail. The main sheet controls the power generated by the mainsail, affecting the boat's speed, balance, and overall manoeuvrability. Cam cleats are essential in efficiently adjusting and maintaining tension in the mainsheet, contributing to precise sail control. The most typical system for mainsheet control is to use a large swivel base, also known as a mainsheet jammer.
A mainsheet jammer allows the sailor to have precise control, as the lead into the cleat is usually a ratchet block. (Ratchet blocks add friction into the system to reduce the load on the line.) The jammer can swivel to pre-set angles, allowing sailors to control the mainsheet tension from most locations on the boat.
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