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Bumberg · 03-10-2017, 10:30

Planning on crossing the Atlantic this fall on a 39' catamaran. Debating whether we should install a whisker pole to keep the jib sail or cruising chute poled out when going downwind.

How beneficial is it terms of speed is the whisker pole? Are we talking about shaving a few hours or a day or two off the total crossing? Is it worth the cost & trouble to get it installed just for the crossing?

(Looked into adding a proper spinnaker pole but seemed too expensive)

Really appreciate the responses!

**Paul Elliott** · 03-10-2017, 10:37

[posted while we wait for someone who knows more about cats]

On a monohull, a whisker pole can be a big help when running deep downwind. I've not sailed a cat, but wouldn't you have the option of attaching the sheet to the hull (sort of a reverse "barber hauler")?

Kenomac · 03-10-2017, 11:05

Yes, well worth it. We use our spinnaker pole all the time going down wind.

s/v Moondancer · 03-10-2017, 11:39

On my monohull I use the pole frequently, sometimes for days at a time, when crossing oceans. When I had a tri I ran the jib sheet through a quick release fitting on the bow of one the amas.

In a cat I would experiment running it off the bow of one of the hulls.

What ever you decide you have to be able to de-rig quickly for a squall or a MOB.

Tetepare · 03-10-2017, 11:48

Not only does it maximize speed, but it saves sanity.

Have you ever been with a large headsail in a following sea? The sail collapses repeatedly with a loud FWOP. Also keeps the sail off the spreaders.

Bleemus · 03-10-2017, 18:22

On a catamaran you have the width and can usually rig a snatch block for most off wind sailing though a whisker pole is helpful dead downwind. Typically dead downwind is not your best VMG.

Dave852 · 03-10-2017, 18:57

In light wind fly your spinnaker, no need for a pole for that. But in heavy trades the whisker pole will be your most valuable tool on board, after the autopilot of course. Leave it deployed and furl/unfurl the jib as conditions warrant

Suijin · 03-10-2017, 18:58

As Telepare mentions, it's not just a matter of speed. It stabilizes the sail and makes it largely self-tending.

One super-convenient tactic is to set the whisker pole equal to the distance to the sail clew when it is furled. That way you can run the sail in and out without having to remove or fuss with the pole, which is great when you're in squally conditions. Works better on some boats than others based on mast placement.

**a64pilot** · 03-10-2017, 19:14

I thought Cats typically ran a screecher, and no pole?
I am not a Cat owner though so can’t speak to them.

**atoll** · 03-10-2017, 19:16

having a pole set greatly aids the steering of a boat down wind when balanced with the mainsail.
i use a pole to aid the helmsman or auto pilot,so the boat basically steers itself with minimal lee or weather helm if balanced properly.

it also adds stability to the mast if a fixed set up is used with a halyard and 2 guys,like having an extra fore stay,so less wear and tare on the standing rigging and auto pilot.

UNCIVILIZED · 03-10-2017, 19:52

Here are a couple of threads on the topic worth skimming:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...le-188622.html
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...es-188974.html
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...se-182248.html

catman · 04-10-2017, 20:01

Cats do not usually use whisker poles.
My friend who manufactured and sailed catamarans and crossed the Atlantic twice uses a running block on each bow and a symetric spinnaker hanked to the forestay.
A sheet through each block and down each side to winches.
Cheers, Catman