Allen

They have been used on fireballs etc for years. Basically it has an elongated hole in it. So when you go sailing with medium rake you can also have the pin in for light rake. so when you are going downwind in a race and the wind goes light you just take the rig tension off take out the medium pins. pull the rig tension onto light. you can also do it the other way round but is a bit more awkard.

I have nightmare memories of changing the rake whilst afloat in the 470 - I would have to go to leeward and change the pin setting, ideally without dropping the pin overboard......

Mind you, that was not as bad as having to stand on the foredeck to change the spreader angle....

Originally posted by Guest#260 Originally posted by winging it Mind you, that was not as bad as having to stand on the foredeck to change the spreader angle.... Impressive; you must be very tall as I had to stand on the spinnaker pole eye ...

5'11"  - I had to stretch really hard because I was scared to stand on the pole fitting.... daft but true....

oh and then I would forget which way to turn the darned thing.....