Agreed on the topping lift, I use a spinnaker halyard since the end of
the whisker pole is farther outboard than the spinnaker pole, slightly
less inward pull on the pole but probably doesn't make too much
difference. The topping lift allows better control of the sail, IMHO,
especially in light air, you can take the weight off the sail and
control its shape.
Neil Gallagher
Weatherly, 35-1
Glen Cove, NY
On 4/2/2019 9:48 AM, Matthew L. Wolford via CnC-List wrote:
I have both a spin pole and a whisker pole. We use the whisker for
main and jib races, and it is superior for the reasons you stated. We
use a topping lift. We have also used a down haul in heavy stuff
(after the chute comes down due to too much breeze/wave action). As
issue we have encountered is getting the sheet out from the pole end
in the heavy stuff.
*From:* David Knecht via CnC-List <mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
*Sent:* Tuesday, April 02, 2019 9:33 AM
*To:* CnC CnC discussion list <mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
*Cc:* David Knecht <mailto:davidakne...@gmail.com>
*Subject:* Re: Stus-List Downwind sailing- Whisker pole length and height
I have to disagree with the recommendation to just use the spinnaker
pole. I bought a whisker pole because it weighs much less than the
spinnaker pole and I can store it vertically attached at the mast
end. I don’t think I could maneuver the spinnaker pole in place by
myself on the unstable deck of a boat downwind. I don’t trust my
balance plus it is really heavy and unwieldy even on firm ground. The
whisker pole also allows me to set different lengths depending on
conditions.
Related to that: I read the Forespar recommendations on whisker pole
use the other day. They strongly recommended using a topping lift. I
have not done that although I have one. It seems like it might affect
sail shape as the weight of the pole pulling down on the clew might
alter the shape of the leech of the sail. I will play when I can sail
again, but wonder if anyone has thoughts. Dave
S/V Aries
1990 C&C 34+
New London, CT
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