Batten getting caught on backstay in light air

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breeves
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Sep 08, 2013 11:10 am

Batten getting caught on backstay in light air

Post 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?
adrianbegley
Posts: 11
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 8:00 pm

Re: Batten getting caught on backstay in light air

Post by adrianbegley »

A soft top batten helps with this light airs but I still frequently have to flick the backstay.
David Schutte
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Nov 18, 2022 2:02 am

Re: Batten getting caught on backstay in light air

Post 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
raydouglas
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Nov 21, 2022 5:13 pm

Re: Batten getting caught on backstay in light air

Post 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.
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Vento Solare
Posts: 394
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 8:00 pm
Location: Newport, RI

Re: Batten getting caught on backstay in light air

Post 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.
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