Is a whisker pole the same as a spinnaker pole?
Whisker poles are sized to match the size of the foot of the sail that they are working, while spinnaker poles are sized to match the distance from the mast to the bow, also known as the boat’s “J” dimension. Because of this, Whisker Poles tend to be significantly longer than spinnaker poles for the same boat.
Can you use a whisker pole for a spinnaker?
Many people are not aware that sail manufacturers recommend the use of a whisker pole with asymmetric spinnakers when sailing dead downwind. The pole can be placed on either the windward side attaching to the tack or on the leeward side attaching to the clew.
What is a whisker pole used for?
Whisker poles are used to “wing out” the jib when sailing downwind. Sailors who have experienced downwind sailing without one can appreciate the value of being able to stabilize the jib, enabling the sail to work more efficiently and without the noise of the sail flopping in the wind and waves.
Do you need a spinnaker pole?
It’s important to understand that the pole is boosting the performance of the spinnaker, it’s not absolutely necessary in order for the spinnaker to work and hence when there is a situation where the pole is not quite ready to go it’s often better to get the Spinnaker hoisted and flying first and then sort out the pole …
Do you need a topping lift for a whisker pole?
Rigging the Whisker Pole Whisker poles do need a topping lift to support their weight, especially in light air. Gravity will pull them down and aft on the jib sheet if not supported. The topping lift keeps the pole level and allows for better sail shape.
Is a whisker pole necessary?
Without a whisker pole, the headsail will flop from side to side, limp and useless. The use of a whisker pole will allow “wing on wing” sailing dead downwind with surprising performance.
How long should a whisker pole be?
A whisker pole should be approxi- mately as long as the foot of the sail you intend to pole out. * Max available SPL with composite end fittings, attached to a fixed mast ring. If the pole is to be “Dip Gybe”, max available SPL is increased by 165 mm.
What is a spinnaker pole called?
The spinnaker is often called a kite, or a chute (as in cruising chute) because it somewhat resembles a parachute in both construction and appearance. This should not be confused with the spinnaker chute, which is a hull fitting sometimes used for launching and recovering the spinnaker.
What is the difference between a spinnaker and a gennaker?
In short, a gennaker has a genoa’s form (asymmetric, head and tack pinned, sheets tied to the clew) with the wide girth of a spinnaker. The gennaker is an all-purpose downwind sail, while spinnakers are built for specific downwind apparent wind angles.
What is the difference between a spinnaker and a genoa?
What does code zero mean in sailing?
5. A code zero is strictly a downwind sail. A code zero is often classified as a spinnaker in terms of racing, hence the restriction on the length of the mid-girth, but it’s not a true downwind sail. If you’re going downwind, you’ll use either a symmetrical or asymmetrical spinnaker.
Why is a rope called a sheet?
Sheet – A rope used to control the setting of a sail in relation to the direction of the wind. Not a lot of help there. Sea-traders and navies have always relied on ropes to control large sheets of sail. May be a clue why they became known as sheets.