J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Bumped spinnaker hoist

One Design issues aside, has anyone considered (or accomplished) moving the spinnaker hoist up 2-3 feet? I have seen some J/29FR with this configuration before.

We have discussed mastehead kites here at some length and it is risky with an unsupported mast head, but 2-3 feet above the shrouds should yield enough strength.

An external halyard would be easiest; it was suggested to me to use a fixed spnnaker pole ring riveted up there to mount the block but if there are other suggestions I am all ears. If it is successful, an additional lightweight sheeve box could be installed later.

My Quantum rep has suggested this too.
What would the PHRF penalty be?

Afte serious analysis, my crew and I set up my "new" J-30 in 1997 wth a 153 headsail, shortened the spin pole to lower the handicap and bought a North reaching chute set to fly 4.5 feet above the normal hoist. Much Seattle area racing gives a light air reach up the beach.Our handicap remained the same as a stock J-30 and we had much success in PHRF. I had the chutes that had come with the boat narrowed to match the shorter pole and they worked very well in heavy air, from the lower hoist, when the other 30's were at risk under the wider chutes. There was not enough one designing in the area to be a factor. The conservative chute worked well when the boat sialed to Hawaii.

How did you accomplish the 4.5 foot hoist bump? External halyard or a new box?

Riveted a saddle to the mast and a fairlead and a camcleat on the mast. The tail is led to the cabin top winch in case of needing help to fully hoist the sail in heavy air. You can call me if you want, 808-333-5068.

Bob