16 replies to this topic

[CharlieBurton]

I've seen the IMOCAs a few times. But i've only just noticed these massive poles sticking out the side. What the hell are they? Not all of them have them, so what are the advantages of them?

[josselin]

avoid spreaders and allow wing mast (better aerodynamics). Limit the compression on the mast (less load lighter structure)

invented by Yves Parlier on Aquitaine innovation in 1996 or maybe before on a Mini (?)

[CharlieBurton]

Is it just the IMOCAs using them? They seem like a good idea actually, would have thought other racers would pick upon the idea, i suppose they're a bitch to moor up in a pontoon!

[josselin]

I think most of the class rules have an overall beam limit including fixed rig thus the low interest of such rigging device : always better to benefit of teh maximum hull width.

do not know other floating vessel with equivalent rigs than Imoca

[STYACHT]

Spot on, they are "deck spreaders". They also are used for sail trim sometimes. Some IMOCA's with fixed rigs (Generali) that use extending poles from the deck to do this aspect as well.

They do have their downsides, if they go into the drink it is slow, but you have bigger issues at that heel angle (or do you? see Hugo Boss, Generali at Fastnet.) Rarer is losing the rig due to contact (like on an inverted competitors keel blade during rescue).

[DRIFTW00D]

Saw them first in the last Vendee, near the Horn the end of one "Spredder" hit a turtled 60 during the recovery of a trapped racer. Think they soon after lost the rig.

[~HHN92~]

Seems like there was quite a stink over them when first used. Something about not having struts or something outside the sheer line, and then it was argued that they were 'spreaders' not struts, therefor legal.

Part of their angle upwards is to keep them out of the water, to a certain point.

[nixon]

Charlie,
if you ever have an oportunity to see one of these boats in the flesh, they are just amazing. It seems that they manage to cram in every sailing invovation (and sail them short handed!). Saw one that had pulled retired into Hobart in the last race (?) and spent a fair bit of time gawking. just stunning.

[Moonduster]

Nixon,

You oughta see what driving one is like ...

[RedFlag]

avoid spreaders and allow wing mast (better aerodynamics). Limit the compression on the mast (less load lighter structure)

invented by Yves Parlier on Aquitaine innovation in 1996 or maybe before on a Mini (?)

Actually, invented and patented by Finot for Parlier. Patent never enforced.

[Nigel Texas]

I bet those spreaders are fun on a tight starting line or mark rounding.

[European Bloke]

I bet those spreaders are fun on a tight starting line or mark rounding.

Do you have any fucking idea what these boats are?

[Potter]

I bet those spreaders are fun on a tight starting line or mark rounding.

Do you have any fucking idea what these boats are?

Sod that, just try parking one!

[Pierre S]

This was a big thing some years ago. They then disappeared a bit before the current comeback. I seem to remember an interview of Michel Desjoyaux where he explained why he preferred conventional masts with spreaders. Less weight and complexity and simpler manoeuvres for single-handed racers. Or something like that.

[Shutyomouf]

1339515577[/url]' post='3747704']

1339509767[/url]' post='3747562']


I bet those spreaders are fun on a tight starting line or mark rounding.

Do you have any fucking idea what these boats are?

Yes. They're fucking wind powered fucking fishing trawlers, right? Fucking poles to keep the fucking fishing lines/net out, etc.

[Potter]

1339515577[/url]' post='3747704']

1339509767[/url]' post='3747562']


I bet those spreaders are fun on a tight starting line or mark rounding.

Do you have any fucking idea what these boats are?

Yes. They're fucking wind powered fucking fishing trawlers, right? Fucking poles to keep the fucking fishing lines/net out, etc.

Who shat in you cornflakes? Euro bloke was just pointing out that these boats do not do crowded start lines or windward leewards (well as little as possible).

[CharlieBurton]

Charlie,
if you ever have an oportunity to see one of these boats in the flesh, they are just amazing. It seems that they manage to cram in every sailing invovation (and sail them short handed!). Saw one that had pulled retired into Hobart in the last race (?) and spent a fair bit of time gawking. just stunning.

I live in Plymouth so I get to see the fasnet boys come in the VOR 70's were a nice treat last year! But I've seen a few of the IMOCAs when they'e done the Fastnet but never really noticed these!