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Batten getting caught on backstay in light air

Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2014 11:24 am
by 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?

Re: Batten getting caught on backstay in light air

Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2014 1:28 pm
by adrianbegley
A soft top batten helps with this light airs but I still frequently have to flick the backstay.

Re: Batten getting caught on backstay in light air

Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2022 11:42 am
by 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

Re: Batten getting caught on backstay in light air

Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2022 8:58 pm
by 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.

Re: Batten getting caught on backstay in light air

Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2022 12:08 pm
by 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.