Spiros twins Osprey pics

It's actually suprising that more classes don't use twin poles, espescially trapeze boats like the fireball. as the pole is not centreslung it doesn't need to be quite as beefy in the middle and they wouldn't need that silly kevlar wrap.

I agree with your analysis of the current Fireball pole setup (ie, it's a bit rubbish). I recently had quite a
long discussion with a variety of Firebally people on a couple of forums, and the upshot was that Fireballs
definitely aren't allowed to have twin poles. I know this has upset a few people, particularly the ones who have
been using them. Personally I'd quite like to have twin poles on my 'ball, but I'm not going there if they're not
class legal.

It's one of those 'unwritten' rules. Basically the argument goes along the lines that the Fireball rules refer to 'the
pole', which is in the singular and thus means one and only one. I pointed out that they also refer to 'the trapeze',
but apparently that's different and we are allowed two of those (phew!). I would have been inclined to argue my point
further, but I was debating this with the Fireball International Class Rules Bloke, so his opinion is clearly going to
carry a bit more weight than mine. In fairness, I can see his point of view now it's been explained to me, but I still
think it's a bit of a grey area.

For the full explanation, see this post on the
FI Forum

Maybe I should look at what the Merlins get up to with single poles....

I believe several Merlins have tried the spiro system, years ago, and it resulted in black eyes, lost teeth etc. I guess the main difference with the Osprey is you're saying you don't want the crew going near the mast?

Twin poles do work well in the Merlin fleet, you can gybe very swiftly, but every system takes a bit of getting used to.

This is an older boat with ally poles, but the system matches the newest boats:
http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/gallery/default.asp?folder=gal lery/rigging_guide/3489

Worst part is the poles clanging on the boom up the beat....

Hi Russ
I think the main drawbacks with the non spiro versions were.
loss of pole length.
friction in the system causing rope, block and crew knackering.
I had a non spiro on Hughes FD which jammed and I pulled the foredeck off trying to launch the pole.
Russ just remember if in doubt its a 505 spend money on it, if its a fourteen or merlin double the amount.

Hi Russ
Would it not be a suitable Christmas present from him in the back to make you quicker and make his steering easier by having the rudder in the water at those critical times.
for you it might save those helpful comments like...... In your own time or as quick as you like.
Don't you just love those.