Spinnaker and Whisker Poles

There are four basic ways to handle the spinnaker -

The end for end method, with topping lift a downhaul is most suitable for boats up to 25ft. Another end for end method, with the topping lift at the centre of the pole and the downhaul attached to the outhaul end is best for masthead rigged boats up to 33ft and fractionally rigged boats up to 40ft. The third method, dip pole is suitable for larger boats. The fourth way, twin pole arrangements is recommended for yachts ranging from 40ft and upwards. Twin poles make it much easier and safer to gybe the spinnaker on a big yacht.

Aluminium spinnaker poles give you fast and safe spinnaker handling. All the fittings have well rounded edges to prevent personal injury and damage to equipment. The extrusions are lightweight and very durable and are fitted with pole savers to shield the pole against damage from forestay and shrouds.

Telescopic poles can be extended to 150° of normal spinnaker pole length, used for poling out a large genoa or gennaker. It can be telescoped down for easier storage.

Carbon spinnaker poles are designed to make light work of spinnaker handling. The big advantage of carbon fibre is its low weight. The weight savings enable the crew to handle the spinnaker faster, with less effort.

To select the right pole, Contact Southern Mast and Rigging. You will need to know your yacht's displacement or righting moment as well as the J length (the length from the front of the mast to the forestay.