SVN solovelanet

57 SVN Solovelanet Global Andrea Zaoli, owner of Zaoli Sails: "The bowsprit is certainly becoming essential for more and more boaters. This results from the development of fur- ling sails to be used when sailing a wider angle than while close hauled (code 0, gennaker, etc). For op- timal performance, the furler must have free space around it, so it is basically impossible to rig it in the same tack point as the genoa. Let us also consider that code 0s have a higher load than gennakers be- cause they are used under stronger apparent wind and their tack cannot be hooked, for example, on the bow hardware. Modern bowsprits are a solution to this problem too. Finally, by moving the tack point towards the bow, sails also become more efficient, as the headsail-mainsail channel is wider". Pietro Pinucci , sail designer of Quantum Sails: "The bowsprit often responds to a very real need: it is needed in order to properly hook the tack of the sail where the pulpit directly obstructs the tack- head. Leaving the tack high to 'bypass' the pulpit prevents the correct use of the asymmetric sail in almost any wind condition and point of sail. On the other hand, if we do not have this problem, hooking the tack as far as possible from the bow allows us to use the furling accessories more easily. This impro- ves the trim, and therefore the sailing comfort and safety and, last but not least, it allows us to perform the 'inside' gybing, which is much easier and safer in weak wind than the 'outside' manoeuvre". Michele Malandra, sail designer with North Sails: "The two key aspects of using the bowsprit are re- lated to the size and exposure of the headsail. Let's consider that more luff length allows us to add more square metres to where they are most needed. Mo- reover, greater exposure increases effectiveness when sailing wider angles and adds stability becau- se the sail, at its widest angles, is moved away from the mainsail hindrances. On some boats there may even be a mechanical advantage to removing the tack from the pulpit, as this can prevent you from having the sail at maximum length (tack clew) in the case of a closed pulpit. This is even more so with a furling sail as even a simple bowsprit allows the furler to be positioned without being obstructed by other objects". Fabio Amoretti is a well-known racer from Imperia. Fabio Amoretti, an expert yachtsman of the Italian Naval League, performs educational activities L'autore Starting from the top: a J88 sailing with her very long and retractable bowsprit; the Sun Odyssey 490 with her dolphin striker, a typical accessory of cruise boats that acts as a bowsprit; a racing boat using another dolphin striker, a very long one, as a bowsprit. Last picture at the bottom: the Hanse 418, that is not equipped either with a bowsprit or with a dolphin striker, and hooks the gennaker tack to the bow hardware.

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