Odd looking whisker pole

[Bob]

Need help identifying an odd looking end on my whisker pole.THe pole is extendable and has a 1.25" and 1" end. THe 1.25" end has a normal spring-clip type hook. The 1" end is odd - it has a very small (3/4"?) sheave halfway surrounded by what you'd almost call a hook, but it's really just a point that takes a 90 degree bend around the open side of the sheave. I'd think this was the remenants of some kind of pole extending apparatus except I'd expect to find a cleat or evidence of a former cleat on the pole, and I cannot.Any idea if that is the case, or what else this mav have been?Bob Amoss/v "Simple Dreams"

 

[Bill Murray]

reaching strut??

Check out the link.... it sounds like you found a Reaching Strut.What does one do with a reaching strut?? When flying a spinaker in beam reaching conditions when the spinaker pole is up against the headstay, an unnatural load is put on the mast, stay, and pole. The reaching strut allows for a better angle of pull for the after guy, pulling the pole off the headstay and thus reducing the loads to a safer point.Bill MurrayS/V Good Faithh29.5

 

[james rohr]

reaching strut

in addition to lowering the compression loads on the pole it serves two other functions. it keeps the afterguy off the shrouds not allowing it to be chafed. it also keeps the guy from bending or breaking your life lines and stantions. with 10 to 15 knots apparent on a tight reach with a kite you would be amassed at the load on the pole and afterguy. on a 30 footer with a masthead chute it can be in excess of 2000#

 

[Bob]

Thanks, Bill and James.....

...you hit it right on the head, Bill, a picture is definately worth a thousand words. Now it all makes sense.Thanks again,Bob