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Nov 20, '07 4:49 PM
by aballport for everyone

Hello,

I have noticed that all of the Ballad sailplans show a staysail, a smaller jib set inside the normal jib triangle. Does anyone actually have one or know of one ever being used? It seems that it must have been a custom option fitted to limited number of boats or it might be a sail that was set flying (without a stay) between the bow cleat and the spinnaker pole topping lift. I can't see a really sensible scenario for one which is probably way I have never seen one.

Just Curious,

Tony Allport

Pleiades #191

Tags: rig and sails

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2 CommentsChronological Reverse Threaded

msn-patentnick1 wrote on Nov 21, '07

Hi Tony:

As far as I know, no Ballads were fitted with an inner forestay by Albin Marin, so the staysail must have been set flying. However, in those days when the sails were hanked on rather than on a roller, it was easier to change headsails. If you have a rolling headsail, an inner forestay is a great addition as you can set a working jib or a storm jib with your primary sail rolled. Also, you can goose-wing two headsails. I installed an inner forestay two years ago and you can find relevant info in the Technical section>rig and sails>inner forestay. If you want more or bigger photos let me know and I'll send them to your personal e-mail, as I'm almost out of space here.

-Nicholas

Moments of Clarity #334

msn-trentmoraitis wrote on Nov 22, '07

Tony

Our Ballad we purchased this fall came with a staysail. The boat is traditionally rigged with hanked on head sails. Our staysail is not hanked, but rather has a 1/8"wire that runs its length with an eye at each end. Our Ballad has a track set on deck (fore & aft) with a car that is about 1 foot aft of the bow cleat.I was unsure of this sails usage and spoke with a friend who is more experienced than me. My understanding is that the staysail is anchored to the bow track and is lifted with the staysail halyard. My friend said the staysail was used while racing, being set just prior to changing headsails to a different size. This allowed for at least some speed to be maintained while head sails were being changed during a race. He also commented that this was a real pain. Either way - a roller furling headsail would make this set up obsolete. I hope this info is accurate and helpful.

Trent

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