Pole Keeper and Tack Line Photo:

We installed shockcord in a “V” section to keep the pole on the deck (notice the marks on the deck where the outboard end hits.

Our tack line is made of spectra and is about two feet long.

Also, take note of the red tape on the stem-this helps to keep the kite from “getting caught” if the halyard gets blown too early.

Under-exit for the traveler line

The colored line is the shockcord retrieval line for the traveler. Also, the bilgepump outlet-not in use and capped at the stern, outside the boat.

Traveler/Backstay Controls:

Both are weather sheet controlled, located far enough behind the winch area so the crew members are not operating on top of each other. Box is made of delron with Harken Cleats. Traveler line is spectra core and backstay (at this part) is Sta Set-colored coded for quick reference

Over Trimmed Jib

Over trimmed Jib-no good!!!!
I wanted to show you the importance of good spreader indicators.

Jib Trim in about 14 knots:

We like spectra sheets and regular “one to one” sheeting. We have two, sometimes three, people just reach in and pull the sheet if we need more sheet on. Tell Tales are wet in second and third picture.

Jib Trim

This shot shows the trim of our jib, in about 12 knots. Again, the
spreader indicators are key.

Proper Head stay

This shot shows the proper headstay sag in light to moderate conditions.

Spread Indicators

Another shot of our Spreader Indicators.
Leech Tell Tale is wet. Take note-we use the tapered spreader, finding this best in breeze.

Main Backwind:

I wanted to show how the luff of our NS Main likes to just see some backwind or bubble in the luff. This happens when the jib is sheeted properly, no bubble-more sheet!!!!

Mainsail Trim in about 14 knots:

Too many boats sail around with not enough halyard tension, the pictures are about right. The outhaul is not boned on yet in these shots. Also, the boom is on center or slightly above in both photos. You want the top Telltale to be stalled behind the most of the time and the second Telltale flying straight out.

Mainsail Trim in about 12 knots:

This is our mainsail in about 12 knots with a very high traveler.

Upwind Trim :

These are all examples of Shields trimmed well in 5-8 knots.

Traveler Set-Up:

This is about what you are looking for in 12-14 knots, we like to sail at center or just above. Moderate backstay-just enough to keep the bounce out of the headstay. We use a lewmar headknocker and lewmar fiddles aft with “moderate stretch”, nicely covered mainsheet.

Traveler before/after puff

Before the puff hits in about 15 knots

The look of the traveler when the puff hits-we try not to let it go down below centerline anymore than this.

Mainsheet Marker/Keeper:

It is helpful to us to have a quick reference mainsheet marker (white tape and the blue marks are our system). We actually do not use tape, but sew some white thread into the sheet to prevent movement. We were running late again and installed a new mainsheet.

Also, take note of the mainsheet keeper (mostly for gybes). Basically-NS Webbing and stainless steel self-tapping screws with loctite.

Lubricate-Lubricate-Lubricate!!!!

We are always asked what we are using-here it is! Everytime before we go out sailing, especially around the traveler. Another good area is where the kite goes out of the boat.

Preventive Maintenance

Taped extension joint-preventive maintenance. We use the 36” battlestick from Ronstan for our extension.

Spinnaker Pole Settings:

We mark the “general range” of the in-board end of the pole for quick reference. Anything to help out the bow person!

Spinnaker Halyard Cleats:

And when I say “cleats”, I mean two located about six feet up off the deck (Right-Side) with a fairly low stretch type of line which includes a nice cover for gripping the cleats. We have the halyard and mast marked to acknowledge if the shackle is topped out or not. Notice the cleats are mounted on shaped delron backing plates. The shackle should be of the spinning type to prevent twists.

General settings

These shots are to show the general set up of the twing, pole and jib sheet area. Notice turnbuckles are tied in.

Jib Tack Line:

These two shots show the approximate height off the deck we set the tack (this would be the max-more breeze the lower it gets). Notice there is a standard twist shackle included. Do not forget to tie the tack both down and forward. You get a good shot of the “pole keeper” too.

Mast Blocks:

We use Delron side to side, fore and aft and underneath for full support. The top and bottom are bolted together and the blocks in the front are removable but usually stay in place. The mast is blocked max aft 95% of the time.

Compass:

We use the standard Plastimo Card Compass and mast mount-nothing fancy here. You can buy it at Layline.

Control Box Area

Under Controls:

I wanted to show a better shot of underneath. The blue control line is the traveler and the green is for our backstay (the purchases are behind the bulkhead for the backstay). The purple line is actually shockcord that helps retract the blue traveler line, this is needed because of the amount of purchases involved.

Vang System:

We took and old Melges 24 (Harken) fine tuner and converted it over to our vang. Most of the purchases are below deck and come up to the tuner, enabling great leverage.

Brommel Hooks or Not?

We think brommel hooks are best considering all the friction that goes on when the kite is going in and out of the boat, etc… The key is to purchase taperd spinnaker sheets if you have not already. Do not forget to tape the hooks. You get a nice shot of jib lead marking in the second photo.

Check out the heavy duty Velcro flap for the spinnaker sheets and halyard.

More Traveler Set-Up:

Harken is our choice, once again. We installed some gradual risers, raising the ends above the middle. This makes pulling the traveler and mainsheet controls much easier. Spectra line is used above decks and regular Sta-Set below. As you can see it also allows for a “friction free” spinnaker sheet flow.

Traveler Top View:

Notice the piece of webbing from the toe rail to the top of the traveler-this prevents most mainsheet hang-ups when gibing

Backstay:

Much like the traveler, spectra seems to be the best for flow (on/off). Quick reference marks are used with permanent marker so we can set it and go. Make no mistake-she and the traveler act as our throttle!!!!

Spinnaker Launching System

Nothing fancy going on here-go to Wal-Mart and buy "deep" laundry
basket for launching the spinnaker. Make some drain holes in the bottom.

Downwind Trim

These are good examples of how to trim for 5-8 knots in a Shields.