Submitted on November 23, 2004 by Rick Donn

Question: I have a Beneteau First 42 Tall rig and have 2 questions:

l. I have been using a gennaker and have constructed a bow sprit which will mount in my anchor roller. Is there an ideal length for the Sprit or is it sufficient to make it just long enough to permit the sail to clear the pulpit & forestay when jibing or tacking?

2. I am installing an inner forestay. The stay will be attached to the mast just below the upper spreaders and the mount will include provision for running back stays

Can you advise me as to how I can decide where to arrange the sheeting points for the staysail and running back stays?

What would be the cons of trying to come up with a boomless self-tacking arrangement

Thank you
Rick Donn

Answer: Hi Rick,

1) You will probably be happiest with a sprit just long enough for the sail to clear the bow pulpit, as you described, assuming that your sail was designed to be set without a sprit. If you push the sprit out much farther the sail won't fit the boat as well. If you had a sail designed for your boat and a sprit of 5-6', the new sail would be longer on the luff and shorter on the leech than your existing sail.

2) The staysail sheet track will want to go right up against the side of the deck house, with the front end of the track about 1' forward of the chainplates and the aft end 2-3' aft of the chainplates. If you have an existing track anywhere near there the sail can be designed with the appropriate clew location to sheet to the track.

The running backstay chainplate or padeye should be located as far aft as possible. Closer to the centerline is better than on the rail, but anywhere near the transom will work. It is most important to make sure you have a solid fixing point that does not interfere with any other installations.

A self tacking arrangement for your inner staysail is probably not a good idea. If you use a track as a traveler, in front of the mast, the sail will have to be cut much smaller on the LP than if you sheet to a fore and aft track on the side deck. The sail will also become too narrow.

Regards,
Dan Neri

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