By Dick - 7 Nov 2016
Hi all,
The “Taming” in the title is likely a bit strong, but it seemed to fit my intent if not perfectly the result. Too many of us cruisers, in my observation and experience, are wary of our whisker pole and do not use them at all or rarely. This is a shame as they can be extremely useful. I would hope the following to be of use to those who shudder with apprehension when they think “This would be a good time to deploy the pole”.
As always, please come back with questions or comments.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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By Dick - 7 Nov 2016
Perhaps it is obvious, but the article is an attachment. Dick
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By David.Tyler - 8 Nov 2016
UK sailors wishing to make a whisker pole similar to Dick 's can find a suitable tube athttps://www.carbonfibreprofiles.com/. They sell tubes of 60mm and 80mm diameter, in both CFRP and GRP, up to 6 metres in length. These contain mostly longitudinal pultruded fibres, but also have an appreciable diagonal fibre content. This makes them very robust and resistant to the kind of abuse that Professor Murphy will subject them to, when he decides to lend a hand on the foredeck. I use the GRP tubes as battens and yard in my junk rig.
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By Dick - 8 Nov 2016
Hi David, That looks like a great resource: thanks for the heads up. I would also check with a knowledgeable rigger about wall thickness and diameter. He/she might also have (or be able to get) the lightweight end fittings so a good match is made. And, if your boat is like mine, definately plan for Professor Murphy to be a member of the crew. Dick
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By David.Tyler - 8 Nov 2016
You 're welcome!
Nevertheless, we who sail under headsail-free rigs (Freedom, Nonesuch, Tanton, Wylie ... did I forget anyone? oh yes, junk rig of course) will continue to be mystified and bemused that such a big production number has to be made of a simple thing like sailing downwind;)
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By Dick - 8 Nov 2016
Hi David,
Understood. Someday, if I am lucky, you will have to take me sailing and educate me. Dick
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