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Spinnaker System Photos           Back to Bucc Menu                             

On this page I am showing photos and a description of the spinnaker system on my Nickels Bucc. It is based on similar systems in use in other classes in particular the 505 and Fireball.

The sequence for hoisting is
1) Crew sets the pole first. It is easy to handle because the weight is taken on the outboard end and easy to grab even if it is on the leeward side of the boom.
2) While the skipper is hoisting, the crew sets the guy twing and grabs the sheet. There is no need to think about setting the guy yet or worrying about the windward clew pulling through the end of the pole because of the stopper system.
3) Skipper checks the wind direction and pulls the guy back if necessary but the sail is already pulling.

The sequence for dousing is
1) Crew removes the pole and virtually lets go of it. It slides down the trolley by gravity and usually self stows on the Velcro with just a touch from the crew.
2) While skipper is dousing, the crew releases the twing to make sure there is enough slack in the guy for the clew to pull into the snout.

It is a single end system so the pole has to stowed and reset for gybing. The sequence is
1) Crew releases the twing, removes the pole and lets go of it on either side of the boom.
2) Skipper gybes the mainsail and tries to keep the spinnaker flying through the gybe - don't we all!
3) Crew resets the pole, sets the twing and grabs the sheet.
4) Skipper checks the wind direction and pulls the guy back if necessary but the sail is already pulling.

This works very well in practice because the pole is so easy to stow and handle and the stopper system on the guy means that the windward clew and pole can never get away from you.

A possible future modification is to use a fork instead of a piston fitting for the outboard end of the pole. I intend to give it a try in 2007.

Click On The Thumbnails

Pole With Velcro		Pole With Shockcord		Pole Set On Mast
Twings and Stopper		Aft Turning Block		Tapered Sheets

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