best invention: edit

I don't know what I was thinking when I said that roller furling was the best sailing invention ever.

Let's get it right, shall we?

The best sailing invention ever is most definitely the self-tailing winch. Take your wraps, slip your line over the tab and around into the groove, and pull. It's that easy. One-handed. It's even possible, if the wind is light, to do this with three fingers while holding an ice cold Budweiser with the other two. Yes, dear reader, it's true.

It also helps guard against oversteering on tacks. I mean, that's not such a big deal when day sailing, but I do like to have good form in case the paparazzi are around trying to catch me off-guard. Quickly get the loose jib sheet into the groove and then crank on the winch handle until the jib looks good all the while keeping your eyes facing forward, and your other hand guiding the boat to the right tack. Nice and easy. Wanna head up? Simply take a few turns on the winch. Wanna head down? Unpinch the sheet, let a little bit out, and then repinch. And you can still steer and beer!