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| grad tuning tips - flyaway / dangle pole |
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The latest design in jib pole technology allows the pole to be hoisted or dropped by pulling or releasing a line at the base of the mast. This means the crew does not need to stand up during hoisting or dropping, the pole can be carried longer, and as an added bonus, the pole may be partially hoisted to leeward on reaches to control the jib leech, replacing the barber hauler. |
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A view of the inboard end of the pole showing the static line (down the mast), the elastic uphaul and the running line.
click on thumbnails for larger photos |
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The pole may be alloy or, for ultimate light weight, carbon fibre. It needs to be hollow, as the running line (green in the photo) needs to run inside it. The maximum length is about 2m; not through any rule, but any longer makes it difficult to launch, as it may hit the foredeck when the line is pulled. A static line of non-stretch rope is tied tightly between the spreader bracket (NOT round the mast, or you can't hoist the mainsail) and the existing pole eye. A ball bearing block/or eyelet is attached to the pole end by a short length of line (allowing great flexibility); the inboard end runs up and down the static line on this block. The running line is tied to the jib clew, runs up the inside of the pole, exits through a block at the inboard end (see photo), down to a block and cleat on the foredeck.
A diagram of how to rig the Carbon Pole can be seen below.
For clearer diagram please download the following PDF file - Fly Away Pole |
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| Pole in position for dead running |
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The elastic uphaul is fixed to the inboard end of the pole, runs up the mast to a block tied to the spreaders, and back down the mast, preferably to the bottom of the front bulkhead. Optionally, the elastic may run inside the mast, but this needs an additional hole for the block. The elastic tension needs to be enough to keep the inboard end at the spreaders whilst stowed (eg when sailing upwind) yet not so much as to overstretch the elastic when the running line is pulled to deploy the pole downwind. |
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| View showing deck fittings |
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In use, while rounding the windward mark onto the run, the helmsman goosewings the jib whilst the crew pulls the running line to "hoist" the pole. At the leeward mark, the crew can wait until the helmsman hardens up before releasing the line; the elastic immediately pulls the pole up the mast. The running line runs out through the pole, allowing the jib to be sheeted normally. Upwind, the pole may simply be allowed to dangle-it does not hamper tacking, and provides negligible wind resistance. Some attempts have been made to secure the pole to the front of the mast, but the jib overlap means leech wear may be significant. |
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A complete kit of parts, including carbon pole, is available from Pinnell & Bax (amongst others) for about £130 alternatively parts can be purchased individually from a chanderlary. Carbon Poles are available from:
Woolmer Forest Composites, Bordon, Hants. http://www.woolmer.co.uk/ctube.html Tel: +44 (0) 1428 712126
I bought 16mm o/d, 13mm i/d, Kevlar coated-well strong enough for the job. I found loads of things would make suitable ends-protective caps for plumbing fittings, or old tiller extension joints (This tubing is a very economical source for tiller extensions for RS300s and the like). |
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