my cp16 came with whisker pole (previous owner saved me the expense). its my understanding that its main use is down wind to keep the jib set. i also read somewhere that it can be used in a broad reach. can anyone give me some advise on it. the padeye is already installed on the mast. thanks again for all of your help
You are right in that it is for running downwind. As for the pols use on a reach, it would indeed have to be a very broad reach possible happening when on a run and accidental or on purpose jib just to make a few degrees to windward.then coming back to original heading. Other wise I can't see it being used on a broad reach because it would limit your ability to make changes to your head sail due to wind variations.
As to actual use what I do is set up the run. Put main sail to whatever side I want it (helps to have preventer to keep main from jibing over or have another hand aboard neither of which I have) , (jib in now blanketed) Sheet head sail over to opposite side and get it to fill. Your now running wing and wing. At this point I make a estimate of distance from mast fitting to jib clew and pre adjust my pole(twist to extend or shorten then twist to relock) move forward put straight fitting into clew and snap ring fitting to mast. Then make finall adjustment to length of pole. When you reset sheet there is not much chance if any that clew ring will jump off pole end.
Now it's time to set back and enjoy a nice LONG run.
Hope this makes sense.
Melvin
Not sure about your setup, but I made mine adjustable. You can use it to good advantage on various degrees of reach by lengthening or shortening it as needed to create optimal sail shape as opposed to having it bend the clew back toward the boat... you can make it emulate the main/boom shape. I mostly use mine with the 155 for reaching... the 110 mostly for wing on wing straight run.
Cheers
Dale
as always good advise. i checked to see what they get for these poles and i was surprised at how expensive they are. thanks again fellas
good info guys. I have alway wanted to try a pole on my 155 wing on wing to get it away from the boat. BILL
Not really Expensive... I used a painter's pole from Lowe's (aluminum) and got "real" ends from West... after breaking several... I got a real "real" end from Annapolis Performance Sailing APS.. I kept one of the West Marine ends and both are still OK.
Here's a Pic.
http://www.com-pacowners.com/gallery2/displayimage.php?album=49&pos=30
Dale
Great idea Dale, I think I have some with broken ends in the barn. HAPPY SAILING BILL