385/388 - Whisker poles

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Whisker poles

Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 385/388
Forum Description: 385/388 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7398
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 01:44
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Topic: Whisker poles

Posted By: Mark&Catherine
Subject: Whisker poles
Date Posted: 29 April 2013 at 10:40

Hi 385 sailors out there,

Quick question if you have a moment. I am considering a whisker pole for the headsail of my new boat. I know with swept spreaders we are quicker downwind in a good breeze if we gybe, and i have assymetrics on board, but in light winds it looks like we are faster straight downwind, and on short runs getting the kite up and down might not be the fastest way to go. Doeas anyone have any experience with poled out jib verses gybing?

Thanks for your comments in advance

Mark

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385 ubulukutu sail number GBR 3350L in Turkey and Greece with Mark and Catherine

Replies:

Posted By: panos
Date Posted: 29 April 2013 at 11:09

Just as a rule of thumb: if wind speed is less that 4-5 knots (real) straight downwind is faster - although faster is almost a joke , do not expect boat speeds over 1-2 knots. In higher wind speeds it is probably faster to jybe and by far more enjoyable. The transition speed depends heavily on the hull condition, the boat load and on the propeller (if you can get it in saling mode-folded/feathered).

.

PS: 1)with the wife on board in such windless conditions it is better to hoist the iron sails (tto start he engine).
2)In very heavy conditions it is also faster straight downwind than gybing - if you can get the boat in planning with a poled out jib and reefed main. Usually it is better to take one reef in so that the projected main sail area balances the jib area so that the boat has no tendency to round up and broach

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Panos

Hanse 630e - selling her -

Posted By: Mark&Catherine
Date Posted: 29 April 2013 at 12:45

Ha, understand the wife thing but its considered cheating even in Dubai if you start her up in the local race. Thanks fo rthe info though

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385 ubulukutu sail number GBR 3350L in Turkey and Greece with Mark and Catherine

Posted By: panos
Date Posted: 29 April 2013 at 13:35

I was not talking about racing!

R U racing with the wive? Lucky U!

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Panos

Hanse 630e - selling her -

Posted By: Mark&Catherine
Date Posted: 29 April 2013 at 13:54

yes she was a bit worried at first (convinced we would crash) but once we got over that she was fine. If we have a few on board we push a bit, but we have done a coiple of non spinnakers with just the two of us.

She helms down wind whilst i run about and she sips Gin whilst I sail upwind.

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385 ubulukutu sail number GBR 3350L in Turkey and Greece with Mark and Catherine