This Week - Twin Spinno System, Gill Marine Tools, Mirror & Solo Stocks, Race Results, Used Boats, Spring Clearance, Tuning Guides and more...
Carbon Twin Pole Launch System (by Ian Pinnell, former 505 World Champion)
I fitted twin carbon poles for the 505 worlds in Hamilton Island. We have previously fitted this system to customers 505's and Flying Fifteens and all the feedback has been very positive. Having a new crew with very little chance to practice, twin poles seemed like the best way to go!
The first day we sailed in 20 + knots, and the system worked superbly. It is probably the simplest of the twin pole arrangements. After our first two gybes we both just looked at each other and commented "This is awesome!!"
It enables you to gybe in big waves and still keep the crew weight aft. In the lighter airs you retract one pole and the kite stays filled as you gybe and launch the new pole. All effortless and smooth.
 
Twin Pole Launcher and Carbon Spin Pole Bush
The system has a guy and a sheet on both sides, both attached to the spinnaker clew. The guy takes the load on the windward side and to trim the spinnaker the sheet is used in the normal way. The guys run through stainless steel rings which are spliced on to the end of the pole launch lines. The launch lines run through the length of the poles and down through the twin spinno fitting which is mounted on the mast, and down to the launch cleats. We use two uphaul lines which are spliced together just as they enter the mast and two downhauls. These are crossed over under the strut which keeps the poles held into the boom, and also makes the pole go forwards when launching and not out side ways as with single spiro.
We have fitted this to a few classes (F15s, 505) and everyone who has used it raves about it!!!
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