Down wind sailing

In light winds, I'm perfectly happy with how I am anchoring my pole to the boat now. Not much strength is needed then. When the wind is more like 15 to 20 mph or more, however, I would like something more solid in the center of the boat. I just haven't nailed down precisely where. But today I'm adding a reinforced padeye right in front of the hatch cover, centered on the boat. If that proves to be not so good for attaching the whisker pole, I can always use it to secure something else; lip gripper, rod leash, anything. The base of the mast is too far forward for me to reach without having to scoot forward over the hatch but that is still where it might end up. We'll see. I grow a little impatient with myself if I theorize too much about a project for too long. I'm better off just trying it and if it proves less than ideal, I try something else until I eventually get it how I want. The neanderthal 'trial and error' method.

I definitely like using the two small blocks I tied off to new padeyes at the front outside of the forward akas last weekend with a line running from the cockpit up to the sail to keep the pole from being lifted when the wind gusts. I'm keeping that. It's far better control than with the bungee I've been using.

Hawkeye. Do you have any pics of your extend able boat hook set up?

As this thread is about down wind sailing, I would like to ask if anybody has considered, or even tried using a kite?
My son kite surfs, and I have access to a decent kite with all the paraphernalia, but wondered if this would be feasible, or even possible.
I imagine that it would probably be too complicated and much trouble.
What do you all think?

Ger

Here in Maui, a group uses kites with Hawaiian outrigger canoes.
http://www.kiteboat.com/index.html
Looks like the boat could take quite a beating if the kite is large enough. Remember to attach the kite somehow to the boat, or you may leave the AI behind.

Kayaking Bob

Earlier in this thread, I posted a couple of pics of my modified boat hook/whisker pole. I think they must still be here somewhere. If not, let me know and I'll re-post them.

Hello
Well looking for some ideas to better downwind performance, I'm digging up this interesting thread ; and yes Hawkeye,if you could host again your pics ("site not found" at the moment), that would be really helpful.
TIA

Having tried the Barber Hauler system, that works reasonably well, I have decided that having extra lines is an inconvenience and more to trip over getting on and off. I am now going to try using a carbon tiller extension with a rollock for the mast end and a conventional spinnaker hook the other. Will have a bimble this weekend (once I have fitted the rudder upgrade).

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Either lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way!

I have replaced the pics of my modified whisker pole with other (newer) pics of some other boat projects. However I can easily explain what I did. Take your extending cheap whisker pole and add a snap hook at each end. I used parachute chord through a couple of 1.4 inch holes drilled at each end. Hope this helps.

Fair winds and fish on the line!!

Hawkeye

Thanks Hawkeye for you quick reply but I'm afraid the links above in the thread are still dead !

Rokraider, keep us informed, your findings will certainly be interesting !

I've successfully used one half of my Hobie paddle as a whisker pole.
Whilst sitting on the blade end, the other end is connected to the clew of the sail via a small spring clip through a hole in the end of the handle.
The paddle tether cord is disconnected from the hull and can be used through the ara handle for extra downward/outward tension, controlled by hand.

If you want something simple, try this...


Just a SS hook and light line I store in one of the mesh pockets for light downwind sailing.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

the color of that Water!!!!

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2010 Hibiscus Adventure Island

Seriously. All I ever see is green...

BTW Bob, kudos to you and your Missus. The shield got here in record time! I have it half-mounted... daylight ran out on me, but I can already see where it is going to be super-handy. I'll take some pictures of the full rig once I get everything on board... I already have two young ladies who want to go sailing with me now that I have some spray protection and the trampolines.

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And warm too!

Timmain, email with any questions.

When it's installed well, it should be nice and taught (You should be able to bounce a tennis ball on it). It will probably stretch after the first time it gets wet, and the lines will need re-tightening (maybe by adding a knot or retying).

Awaiting pic's

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Thanks for sharing again Bob ; with this setup, don't you sometimes feel that you could gain even more angle downwind if you could let go the sail clew even more further out ? (that's the point of a whisker pole in my view,but do correct me if I'm wrong !)