Symmetric pole systems

Not really, Redback. The downward loading on the pole caused by the guy in its reaching cleat will easily overcome shockcord.

But the L2 system is already not bad in that the uphaul and downhaul are rope. The shockcord only takes up the slack after the rope downhaul has passed through a block on the foredeck (so that it can be knotted where it joins the shockcord such that the knot engages the block to limit elastic extension and prevent pole-skying). The block is, as you suggest, located some distance in front of the mast.

All I'd do there is replace the 4mm pre-stretched polyester of the uphaul-downhaul rope by Dyneema to eliminate stretch.

Laser II class rules:-

 7. Spinnaker Pole

If fitted, shall be stored on the boom using any or all of the following : clips, supports, shockcord and lines. Lines may be used for a ‘trolley system’ but not for a spinnaker pole launcher.

19. Spinnaker Pole
1. The spinnaker pole and fittings attached thereto are unrestricted, except that it shall be made of aluminium alloy, shall not exceed 2.5m overall length including fittings and shall not exceed 45mm in diameter excluding fittings.
2. A line or tags may be attached to the pole to aid opening.
3. An adjustable external spinnaker pole uphaul and/or downhaul may be fitted using lines and/or shockcord and fittings. The method of rigging and control of the uphaul/downhaul system is unrestricted except for the following:-
   1. The controls shall be led to the mast and/or deck and shall not be led into the cockpit or aft of a line bisecting the shroud plate.
   2. The uphaul shall be led to a block or turning eye on the front of the mast anywhere below the jib halyard turning block.
   3. The uphaul/downhaul shall not be capable of being used as a ‘spinnaker pole launcher’

 I suppose the best system is the one that suits the individual sailor, personal preferance. I need to try out all of these ideas to see which one suits.

The Current UK Champ has a single ended system with no downhaul, I think he uses the reaching cleat to keep the pole down. Personally I don't like to use the cleat all the time as it makes fine adjustment of the spinny difficult for the crew.

The pic I posted is part of the Rosenfeld collection, I'll scan another when I've got a min.

Do Laser 2 rules allow you to fiddle with the system - I thought it was very strict one-design (not that it matters for club racing)?

PS Nice photo's on this thread!

I've actually used the ramp system on two boats - my own and a Wayfarer I crew at opens, and on both the ramp was to the side (threatening the jib, as someone else pointed out), but it in both instances it  required a positive effort to disengage, as opposed to the keyhole which simply slides out along the pole.

Basically, you have to pay attention to the rope loop on hoists and drops, while the keyhole is self-tending.But no doubt slicker souls than I take it all in their stride.