125 Spinnaker Setup - Peter Mann

Hardware – Mast

Spinnaker halyard block – set to the max height of 4440mm above the base of the mast section.  I use a Ronstan RF498 saddle and a Ronstan RF20100 swivel block.

Topping lift block – set to about 200mm above the spreaders.  I use a Ronstan RF498 saddle and Ronstan RF25109 obit block.

Spinnaker Pole Connection – set it up so it is about shoulder height standing in the bottom of the boat for an adult or about head height for a child.  I use a Ryley Marine RM087 snotter pin, I find this easier for the kids as there is no hassle trying to open beaks.  The other option is using a Ronstan RF30 ring, you will need to use a pole with beaks for this.

Hardware – Spinnaker pole

There are 2 setups here depending on which way you want to go, either spring loaded beaks or ring ends.  I use 32mm ID carbon tube for the spinnaker pole, make it max length 2260mm from the end of the fittings.  32NB aluminium tube is also readily available and a fair bit cheaper than the carbon.

Pole Ends – I use Ryley RM088 pole ends and a stainless hook for the brace to run through.  You can get the hooks from Binks Marine link - https://binksmarine.com.au/store/one-design-boat-parts/australian-sharpie-products/sharpie-products/australian-sharpie-spinnaker-hook

Hardware Boat –

Spinnaker Halyard blocks – I have a RF498 saddle on the centreline of the main bulkhead above the centreboard case with a Ronstan RF25109 20mm orbit block and a Ronstan FR5 swivelling block and cleat at the back of the centreboard case stiffener.  If you have tubes running through the deck you won’t need the turning block on the forward bulkhead, if the tubes exit the forward bulkhead below the centrecase stiffener use a cam cleat or something similar.

Sheet blocks – I use a Ronstan RF45101 40mm orbit block as a turning block 550mm from the transom mounted just under the gunnel and a Ronstan RF46101 orbit ratchet block 1520mm from the transom (just in front of the thwart) both blocks are attached to RF498 saddles with an Allen A.677 cam cleat on the seat top inner edge.  This will need to be repeated on both sides.

Tweekers – I use a Ronstan RF8090-08 low friction ring for the spinnaker sheet to run through, a RF498 saddle near the top of the gunnel, a RF498 saddle on the tank top and an Allan A.677 cam cleat on the back of the tank.

Topping lift – there is a couple of ways to run this one as well, I run mine to the back of the centrecase as I sail with my 8 year old so it is easier if I pull the strings.  The other option is to use a cleat on the mast under the gooseneck.

I use a Ronstan RF25109 20mm orbit block on the same saddle as the spinnaker halyard turning block running down to a RF5 swivelling block and cleat at the back of the centrecase on the opposite side to the halyard.

My young bloke has his topping lift cleating on the mast with a Ronstan RF20175 swivelling block and cleat.

Spinnaker Halyard – I run a 1:2 purchase, this means you only have to pull half the rope to get the spinner up.  I have a 4mm 6.5m in length with a Ronstan RF25109 20mm orbit block tied to one end running down the mast to the turning block at the front bulkhead back to the swivelling block and cam cleat at the back of the centrecase.  I then have 2mm Dyneema 5m in length tied to the saddle on the mast that the halyard block goes through, running down through the block on the 4mm halyard back up through the 20mm halyard block to the head of the spinnaker.

Spinnaker Sheets – 5mm 14m in length

Topping lift – 4mm 8m in length

Tweekers – 4mm 3m in length.

Spinnaker Pole bridle – 2mm dyneema  2.8m in length