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First race ever!

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/20/2006 : 10:34:48

Hi ya'll,

In an effort to prepare for the Nationals this year, I decided to participate in my local club's spring beer can series on Wednesday nights. I had never skippered a boat before, and had only crewed twice for races, so I was nervous.

Anyway, I had a really good time, finished 3rd from last in my class and can't wait until next Wednesday.

My question is this...

I have a homemade Whisker Pole; a extendable painter's pole the idea for which came from my guru Steve Milby. On the downwind leg I was really able to walk away from an H24 using it. Incidentally, he had a whisker pole too but a really small jib. I wasn't entirely sure where to put it though. I ended up putting the whisker pole between the lower forward shrouds and the upper shrouds (if that makes sence). I just had to make sure that I adjusted the jib sheet appropriately so the pole didn't smack or put pressure on the shrouds.

Is this the correct application of the whisker pole?

Thanks!

Ben
Beneteau 361
Viking Kitty
Columbus, Ohio

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 04/20/2006 : 11:21:22

<font color="blue">... I ended up putting the whisker pole between the lower forward shrouds and the upper shrouds (if that makes sence). I just had to make sure that I adjusted the jib sheet appropriately so the pole didn't smack or put pressure on the shrouds.

Is this the correct application of the whisker pole? - Ben</font id="blue">

Oh oh ... here we go ...

Ladies and gentlemen ... in this corner we have Derek "the Dread" Crawford ...

and in the other corner, we have Steve "sail fast" Milby ...

Gentlemen ... don your gloves, and meet in the center of the ring ... and no low blows!

Edited by - on

Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 04/20/2006 : 11:52:26

Uh oh, did I start something?

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 04/20/2006 : 11:53:36

Good job, Ben!

Actually, Derek and I agree that the Forespar 7-17 whisker pole is the best type of pole to use, and we agree that it should be used the way Derek suggests. The thing is, that pole is expensive, and the 6-12' adjustable paint roller pole is an inexpensive alternative that works well in light air (which is when you need it the most anyway). You can't set it the same way that Derek sets the 7-17, because it's 5' shorter than the 7-17. Therefore, in order to get a good sail shape, you have to set it between the forward lower shroud and the upper shroud, and adjust it so that it doesn't rub on the shrouds, just the way you did. One of the fears that many people have about setting it there is that it might get bent against a shroud. I used mine for about 10-12 years and never had that happen, but if the wind is so strong that it might bend the pole in that manner, then the pole shouldn't be used at all. The good thing about it is that, if it does get bent, it only costs about $30. and about 30 minutes of your time to replace it. It's use is strictly limited to light air situations. If you want to set a pole in strong winds, you really need that husky, expensive Forespar 7-17.

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 04/20/2006 : 12:16:49

And if you set a husky, expensive, 17 foot long pole (adjustable) it should be FORWARD of the forward lowers. Also, I think it works a whole lot better with a pole lift (use your spinnaker pole lift to hold the mid section of the whisker pole up).

Indiscipline with pole

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 04/21/2006 : 06:32:54

thanks everyone. Actually my extendable painting stick is a big'un. goes out to like 17 feet or something, so it will get out to where I need it to go. I may or may not ever extend it out there though, because when fully extended it seems very weak. Wednesday when I used it in the collapsed position, it felt much stronger. We'll see.

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 04/21/2006 : 19:42:29

Beautifully expressed (as usual) Mr.Milby!
The reason I set forward of the forward shrouds is that I sail in very shifty/gusty winds, and have to be able to ease the pole when the wind goes forward. With a powerful 155% genoa poled out the inability to ease immediately could become a problem! Also, as I avoid sailing dead downwind I get a better "set" with the pole forward and the main slightly trimmed to parallel the pole.
Derek
P.S. Steve - I'm sorry you didn't make the last Nationals. I think we could have had a "battle royal" with much enjoyment all around!

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.