Batten getting caught on backstay in light air

[breeves]

Any one care to share the secret of getting the top batten to pass the back stay with out getting hung up in light air while tacking or jibing?

[adrianbegley]

A soft top batten helps with this light airs but I still frequently have to flick the backstay.

[David Schutte]

I was considering a backstay flicker.
Has anyone added one to their masthead?

https://www.velasailingsupply.com/selde ... -to-37-ft/

Dave 171 Seattle

[raydouglas]

Two things to consider: If you are racing one-design, a backstay flipper is not permitted. Secondly, if you don't race one-design, you would have to replace the continuous rod rigging backstay with a fiber backstay, otherwise the flicker will not work due to the weight of the rod rigging. I would talk to a local rigger about the specification of the fiber backstay to ensure proper loads.

[Vento Solare]

See Adrian's suggestion on the softer top batten. I made this change on a main and it significantly improved the issue with the top batten getting caught on the backstay in light air. Your sailmaker could hook you up with an appropriate replacement batten.