Matt,

In order to be “legal” under PHRF racing rules, a spinnaker pole can only be as long as the so called J dimension.  The J dimension is the distance from the front of the mast to the forestay.  In the case of the Rhodes 22, J = 106” or 8.83’.  With downwind sailing, speed is all about projected sail area.  The longer the pole, the further outboard the clew of any foresail can be held and hence the larger the projected area.  More projection gets a greater % of the foresail out from behind the wind shadow of the mast and mainsail, into clear air for more thrust.   This is why the racing rules limit pole length to something realistic.  Most PHRF race committees would consider your whisker pole a spinnaker pole and it would be considered “legal”, if not ideal.  A 7’ long whisker pole is not the ideal length for a Rhodes 22.  But, a free “short” whisker pole is better than no whisker pole 😉

Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium

Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows

From: Matt Wilson<mailto:mwhornblower at gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2023 11:53 AM
To: The Rhodes 22 Email List<mailto:rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Whisker Pole length

Thanks Roger.  Makes sense. I have been given a 7’ spinnaker pole and was wondering if that was about right. :)

Matt

On Thu, May 4, 2023 at 12:09 PM ROGER PIHLAJA <roger_pihlaja at msn.com> wrote:

> Hi Matt,
>
> There is no single “ideal length” whisker pole.  The correct length
> depends on the wind speed and point of sail.  I use a Forespar 6’-12’
> Aluminum Telescoping Whisker Pole with latching type SL fttings on both
> ends.  The outer tube OD is 1-1/4”.  Don’t use a smaller diameter pole than
> 1-1/4” OD or your genoa will fold it half!  This whisker pole is available
> from West Marine, C/N: 112110 , M/N: 406100, Price: $192.99 + S&H.  This
> kit will come with a fixed ring for the mast.  This fixed ring is OK; but,
> I like to be able to adjust the inboard height of the pole.  So, I have an
> 18” long piece of Schaefer 1” racing T-Track on the mast and a ring on a
> car that slides on this track.  I also use the T-Track for my triradial
> spinnaker.  I prefer the racing vs. the standard T-Track because the holes
> are closer together on the racing T-Track, thus permitting finer height
> adjustment.  In light air, it’s also helpful to have a topping lift to
> support the outboard end of the pole.  This way, the weight of the pole
> does not prevent the foresail from inflating.  It makes a real difference
> between being able to sail and motoring in light air.
>
> Roger Pihlaja
> S/V Dynamic Equilibrium
>
> Sent from Mail<https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.microsoft.com%2Ffwlink%2F%3FLinkId%3D550986&data=05%7C01%7C%7C3a39da3b85bc4c4fc56e08db4cd0cda5%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638188231958335500%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2BFZ%2FV5hToKH5XCRDXxl6OwtUPuGcOBNcxfqEMEi7YZE%3D&reserved=0> for Windows
>
> From: Matt Wilson<mailto:mwhornblower at gmail.com>
> Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2023 6:53 AM
> To: The Rhodes 22 Email List<mailto:rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Whisker Pole length
>
> Hey everyone,
>
> I hope you all are starting your sailing seasons soon! Up here in MN it’s
> been a long winter.
>
> Can anyone tell me the ideal whisker pole length for a 135% genoa?
>
> Many thanks,
> Matt Wilson
> Hornblower II
> White Bear Lake, MN
>
>