Jockey pole - what use?

[BlueSkyNick]

Acquired one with the new boat, the previous owner had at home in the garage for years because he thought it was more hindrance than help. It's about 2m long.

How should it be used?

 

[bedouin]

Used when reaching with a spinnaker when using the pole. It holds the guy off the shrouds.

We have one (also in the garage at present). I think the only time I have missed having it on board was when using a single pair of sheets (rather than sheets and guys) so the guy is led back to the turning block at the stern. Our preferred solution is to lead the guy down to a snatch block on the toe rail (when it is the guy rather than the sheet) in which case I don't think the jockey pole adds any value, and in fact the downward angle of the guy is probably beneficial as well.

 

[sarabande]

downwind with a genoa to prevent the clew falling in to the wind shadow of the main ; relieving the strain on the windward shrouds with a very shy spinnaker. Fending off

 

[timbartlett]

Acquired one with the new boat, the previous owner had at home in the garage for years because he thought it was more hindrance than help. It's about 2m long.

How should it be used?

Depends what kind of jockey pole, and what kind of boat, but in general it's used to widen the sheeting angle -- in effect putting a fairlead outside the boat. Usually clips to the toerail or to a U-bolt somewhere near the shrouds, with the sheet running through a sheave at the outboard end.

Could be to push the genoa or staysail or mizzen staysail sheet out when broad reaching/running or to push the spinnaker guy out to windward when you're on a fairly shy reach with the pole set almost touching the forestay: it gives the guy a better angle onto the pole and much more control. Never tried one with a cruising chute, but my guess isthat it would probably have much the same effect as with a genoa.

Inclined to agree with the previous owner. <cynical comment about people who fly spinnakers when all they are doing is making the boat lean over further deleted>

 

[Rum_Pirate]

Acquired one with the new boat, the previous owner had at home in the garage for years because he thought it was more hindrance than help. It's about 2m long.

How should it be used?

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Thanks Rummy, a picture paints 1000 words.

 

[KINGFISHER 9]

I thought it was for knocking people off racehorses with.

 

[Seven Spades]

What keeps the jockey pole in the correct position it looks like it can slip forward or backwards.

 

[sailorman]

What keeps the jockey pole in the correct position it looks like it can slip forward or backwards.

shrouds

 

[bbg]

What keeps the jockey pole in the correct position it looks like it can slip forward or backwards.

A proper one has a fitting on the mast, and is tied to the shrouds with a sail tie or spare bit of rope.