Does anyone know exactly what this is???

[Sailor Scotty]

So this device came off the bow of a 1950's Kettenburg 50 sloop. Thinking it may have something to do with the anchor chain system or possibly the forestay??

Does anyone have any ideas??

Thank you!!

 

[RichH]

Its a lever system used to rapid-disconnect forestays on cutter (headstay-forestay) rigged boats.

They're quite 'dangerous' if not set up properly.

Here's the most common example: http://encyclopedia.mitrasites.com/imgs/highfield-lever.html

 

[Sailor Scotty]

Awesome!!! Thank you so much!!