whisker pole use

[alexanick]

I have a Cal 29. The whisker pole that came with it has, at one end, a claw with a retractable pin, the other end has an open hook with a roller next to it. Any ideas on how this is supposed to be rigged?

[Diamond-Esp]

Sounds like this is a reaching strut or jockey pole, this is different to a spinnaker or whisker pole and is normally used to push out the guy to keep it away from the stantions and give you more of an angle going back to the winch. This pole is normally pretty short, a lot shorter than the whisker pole would be. What length is it when compared to the distance from your mast to the forestay at around 5 ft from the deck. If it is long enough you can easily change the end fitting.

[StuM]

We also use the reaching strut on a 1/2 tonner to pole out a smaller headsail when downwind "goose-winged". The "claw" end hooks to a bail or pad eye on the mast, the open end is dropped over the sheet close to the clew.