I plan to sail my 2007 Hunter 44DS off shore (San Diego to Hawaii) in July of this year. I have an asymetrical spinnaker which I've never used. The question that arises in my mind is that since I do not have a backstay what is the forward mast loading allowed flying a spinnaker? It has a full sock for deployment so there wouldn't be a large shock loading force. Besides wind force what other restrictions on it's use should I be aware of? Thanks for any input. wayne schneider
mast loading
- Thread starter pilotschneider
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Wayne, i have a 41 and called Seldon to ask that same question. I was told that they, Seldon, routinely pull these boats over to the toe rail to show what kinds of loads the rig would take. I was also told the boat would broach or the sail would rip before the rig would have a problem. He said don't underestimate the two aft shrouds that are acting as a single backstay. Hope that helps
IF you are worried, and sailing without a main, rig a strong adjustable topping lift and cinch it in with the traveller.. some hi-tech line could keep weight and windage down. Otherwise, know that it was designed to be sailed with a spinaker.. Make sure the standing rig is in fine shape.