The J/109 Class Association Forum

This post describes a sail configuration with a Code 0 used for distance racing, not subject to one design rules and requests Technical Committee discussion on items 2 and 3. The configurations with requested modifications are followed with detailed descriptions further below:

1. Using existing One Design configuration equipment as is
2. Adding a second tack line clutch
3. Double ending a second spinnaker halyard

1. The existing one design hardware configuration is used with a Code 0 sail (not class legal) on a Karver furler. The furler is attached to the end of the bow sprit. The existing extra spinnaker halyard is used to raise and lower the sail. The existing tack line is used as is. A second set of turning blocks are attached to the same padeyes as the normal spinnaker blocks so that two sets of sheets may be run.

The issues with this configuration for distance racing include inability to do a peel from Code 0 to spinnaker due to lack of a 2nd tack line, and extreme loads on deck hardware when tensioning furler

2. It is desired to mount a second Spinlock clutch directly on top of the existing clutch. This 2nd clutch would only be used if the furler for the Code 0 was to be rigged. Otherwise it would sit unused since there is never a need to run a second tack line. An added benefit for the Code 0 is the 2nd tack line might be rigged as 2:1 purchase to permit tensioning the torsion cable using the tack line. See item 3 for an alternate tensioning configuration.

3. The spare spinnaker halyard is used to raise the torsion cable on the furler for the Code 0. This halyard needs to be tensioned significantly in order for the furler to work properly with the Code 0. It is desired that this spare spinnaker halyard allowed be be configured with 2:1 purchase (end of halyard fixed to upper part of mast) in order to reduce the load on the deck hardware. The 2:1 purchase would not really be useful for OD sailing since you have to pull twice as much line in order to raise the spinnaker. If there were a concern about someone possibly using the 2nd 2:1 halyard for one design racing, it could be disabled by requiring that a stopper knot be placed between the clutch and the mast to restrict halyard movement, or that the halyard be skied with a messenger line that could be used to retrieve it after OD racing.

Would the technical committee please review this so the class measurer may provide a ruling individually on item 2 and item 3?

Hi Bill,
We use a North code zero for offshore racing using all existing 109 setup except for the furler. The biggest lesson was to keep a lot of load on the furling line - we run it back to the port headsail winch with a snap block with heavy bungy running on the furling line with triple blocks and cam cleat cleat tensioning load back to the port stern cleat.
Also pulling high halyard tensions help with furling and sail set - we have a torsion cable - we don't run a bobstay and generally pull a small flex into the pole. The code zero has been a great addition as we don't run large headsails just the class non-overlapping size.
Cheers
Carl

This is an unusual request for the Technical Committee to rule on modifications for a sail configuration that is NOT Class Legal.

It is the opinion of the TC that the J109 in standard OD configuration has the necessary deck hardware and rigging for the described Code 0 configuration. For option 1, a second tack line can be run to the cabin top clutches/winches.

Adding a second tack line clutch is NOT Class Legal

Double ending the spare spinnaker halyard is NOT Class Legal.

The TC want to stress that modifications made for distance/handicap racing are issues between the owners and the specific rating authorities and ALL modifications MUST be removed for One Design events.

Bengt Johansson

Thanks Bengt.

Based on that ruling I will setup a configuration that permits easily swapping out the tack line clutch by putting captive hardware on the inside where the existing single clutch fasteners attach. That way I can easily change out the single or stacked double clutch arrangement so for OD events, only a single clutch is present.

I won't double end the halyard and will double end the 2nd tack line to tension the code 0.