two questions

[kananumpua]

Are these two spinnaker poles or something else?



Also, at the base of the mast there appears to be some sort of measuring scale. Anyone have any idea what it is for?

[Giulietta]

Those are not spi poles, they are named outriggers and the scale is there, because the mast (shaped like a wing) rotates like a swivel, the scale is to indicate mast angle. That mast is not that aggressive, as the new ones allow up to 90ş rotation.

The outriggers are telescopic and allow the mast to rake forward and aft , so she is allways optimized for sail enhancing performance on all points of sail.

These are way out of our reach from us normal mortals, and are very complex. By the way the boat is a Transat 60, and are normally sailed solo in record breaking attempts.

Its a dream machine that also suffers severe structural failures due to the conditions they are sailed. Normally the masts break, because they are really sailed hard.

These boats altough slower than the "sister" trimarans, require a lot more dosage of sailing ability and are also harder to sail.

[kananumpua]

how exactly do the outriggers control rake for and aft? Are they connected to the stays?

[Giulietta]

Not the stays but to the shrouds. The stay is in the bow and the backstay in the stern.

By increasing or decreasing the lenght of the outriggers, and thus the lenght of the shrouds, the mast rakes back and forth...enough ...go to bed now (G)

Just joking, keep em coming.

[Giulietta]

I forgot to tell you also, because of the outriggers, these boats don't have spreaders. Its a wondefull concept, the problem is.....they sometimes touch the water...disaster, when that happens at the speeds these guys sail...

remember they're 60 footers...planing hulls, canting keels etc...this is it man...the end of the road...

[sailingdog]

I can imagine that the mast has some serious problems if the outriggers get whacked.

[Giulietta]

You're welcome.....Kananumpua !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kananumpua]

talk about a wealth of knowledge you are! Thanks Gui!

I think I also saw these on the mini transat's (21ft).

Your right it is a very interesting concept. I didn't know that they also eliminated the spreaders. That helps take weight from aloft (leverage) as well.

Thanks again.

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by kananumpua

I think I also saw these are the mini transat's (21ft).

Kananumpua,

When I first glanced at your photos, I too though that this was a "mini" ocean racer, though not certain what variety. The perspective of the photo isn't ideal, but I would have guessed it was in the 25-35 foot range. I was surprised when Giulietta indicated it was a "60 footer". Must be an optical illusion. I take it you did not see this boat in person?

Giulietta,

Thanks for the nice explanation of the outriggers, rotating mast, etc. That WOULD be an exciting ride.

[AjariBonten]

Originally Posted by kananumpua

talk about a wealth of knowledge you are! Thanks Gui!


Thanks again.

Oh LOOK OUT! You've done it now!!!!

LOL, look out for a photoshop coming your way!!!!


(P.S., it's Giu, not Gui. A funny pet peeve of our pet Portagee.....)

Welcome aboard!

Fred