Racing Rules: Do you have to use a spinaker pole?

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Do you have to use a spinaker pole?

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Racing Rules
Forum Discription: Discuss the rules and your interpretations here
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4264
Printed Date: 14 Dec 25 at 12:46pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Do you have to use a spinaker pole?

Posted By: Timon Robson
Subject: Do you have to use a spinaker pole?
Date Posted: 09 Jun 08 at 1:22pm

In IRC racing, is it allowed to fly a spinaker without using a spinaker pole?

Replies:

Posted By: tgruitt
Date Posted: 09 Jun 08 at 1:28pm

Originally posted by Timon Robson

In IRC racing, is it allowed to fly a spinaker without
using a spinaker pole?

Yes I don't see any reason why not. It would be a little pointless because it
wouldnt set very well, unless it was an asymmetric. If you didn't want to use
it you might be able to get the IRC rating changed, although I'm not too
sure. Sometimes with close manourving near the leward mark we will get rid
of the pole quite early giving more freedom to gybe quickly.

-------------
Needs to sail more...

Posted By: Timon Robson
Date Posted: 09 Jun 08 at 2:18pm

Thanks - that's is what I believed to be the case.

We do some evening racing on a very small course where, particularly if it is windy, we do not have the time / skill to get the spinaker up, headsail down, gybe, headsail up and drop the spinaker before we get to the leeward mark!

The no pole approach seems to be an alternative solution as it allows us better manouvring but this has been questioned.

In more sensible race courses, we use the pole as normal.