Spinnaker block connection

[Bob]

I never sailed with a spinnaker but my 1977 Venture 21 came with one when I bought it last year. From what I read, I can identify most of the hardware but the mast head has me confused as over the years it looks like some revisions have been made. The main block (revised I think) is now located at top next to the bolt slot. The jib (genoa) block is located at top connected with same hardware as the forestay. So where does the spinnaker block go? I've read that it has to be "higher" then the jib block but that's already up at the top. There are two other blocks at the top but they seem like the originals as they're in the mast and look old (and I don't know what they are for). Any suggestions for this novice would be appreciated. And PICS would be worth a thousand. Thanks in advance.

 

[Air Spirit]

internal halyard?

You say there are blocks that run 'inside' the mast. These are your jib and spare halyard blocks (if there are two- unusual on a small boat)which apparently some knowledgeable sailor rigged to be internal. Be happy. Most V-21s had all external halyards - MacGregor cut corners at every opportunity and this was one. The 'outside' block is your spinnaker halyard block.Internal halyards create less windage, last longer because they aren't totally exposed to sunlight, don't slap when it's windy, and in general are more desireable.

 

[Bob]

Thanks A.S...and one more thing......

The blocks are located inside the very top but there isn't any exit hole on the lower part of the mast for handling the halyards. That's what really makes it confusing. With that being said, I just finishing reading an online manual for V-21 which said " the spinnaker block goes next to the jib block???" My question arises from other text I've read which clearly states the spinnaker block has to be "higher" then the jib block. And as I have a masthead rig, my jib block is aready at the top. Any ideas how to get the spinnaker block up higher??? or perhaps along side the jib block is okay??? Once again, thanks for your help.

 

[Brian M]

Spinaker Block

Bob, I have crewed for many people on many different boats. I now finally have my own a MAC 25. But anyway from the many types of spinaker riggings I have seen...Higher than the jib doesn't seem to matter as much as in front of the jib halyard.I seen many that were the same height but a few inches in front. My observation for this is to prevent entanglement of the two.Good sailingBrian M.