[C320-list] whisker Pole vs Spinnaker Pole and diameter sizes

[Warren Updike]

Bruce, I was fortunate to have bought an old whisker pole I found on the internet for our 150 genny.  Don't know the brand, perhaps an old Forespar.  It is about 18' extended (which I never do) with a 2-1/2" dia.  It is very adequate for downwind sailing.  I mean to try it for upwind in lighter air. Be sure to use a preventer on the main when wing-n-wing.  The Forespar web site has information on sizing a pole.

I mounted a fixed ring on the front of the mast that works just fine.  I found the mounting point by observing the vertical position of the cringle at various times under sail and marked a point on the mast level with the average cringle position.  I don't think the exact position is all that important as the pole will move up and down in use anyway.  I store the pole on Forespar stantion mounts bought on the internet.  They work just fine.

 It can be a bear rigging it with any wave action; but, eminently doable.  For downwind, I insert it between the first and second shrouds and attach it first to the sail (I've tied a ss ring in the knot of the sheet for the purpose,) leaving the other end resting on the far lifeline; then, attach the pole to the mast; finally, extend the pole.  It's easier if a crew member hand the sheet whilst doing this as the sheet position will need to change as the pole is extended.  I intently avoid having to tack with the pole out as it means detaching the pole and re-installing on the new tack.  I try to wait until I'm ready to tack off onto a reach before so doing.

Warren & Pattie Updike
C320, #62, 1994, "Warr De Mar"
Frog Mortar Creek, Middle River
Chesapeake Bay