What are "wally" targets named for?

[thinwater]

I understand the concept, which is as old as sailing. Pinch on the headers and foot when it frees, if tacking on a temporary shift is not practical.

But where did the name come from? Looking stupid, as the British would say (Gump in the US)? Google has not helped.

[Jim Cate]

TW, for those of us not tuned into the US sailing scene, what are "wally targets"? sounds like something from Walmart??

Obviously I can't answer your question, but it did pump up my curiosity!

Jim

[StuM]

Wally target? Had to look that one up! The only references I found were connected with "Ockham Instruments". t's explained here.

The Wally - Ockam Sailing Instruments


As for the origin, see attached grab from Google Books and the "Ockam U Manual 3rd Edition".



I'd guess that Ockham are the only ones that picked up on it. It's certainly not an expression that is widely used according to Google.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by StuM

Wally target? Had to look that one up! The only references I found were connected with "Ockham Instruments". it's explained here.

The Wally - Ockam Sailing Instruments

As for the origin, see attached grab from Google Books and the "Ockam U Manual 3rd Edition".

I'd guess that Ockham are the only ones that picked up on it. It's certainly not an expression that is widely used according to Google.

A code name? So funny!


Thanks.