Hardware
Downwind Hardware
Section titled “Downwind Hardware”Hardware specifications for spinnakers and asymmetric sails.
Corner Rings
Section titled “Corner Rings”Downwind sails (Spinnakers & Asymmetrics) require robust corner rings to handle dynamic loads.
- Standard: Stainless Steel O-Rings (webbed for durability).
- Racing: Harken Low-Friction Rings or soft shackles.
- Reinforcement: All rings are installed with heavy-duty radial reinforcement patches.
Detailed Specifications: For a complete list of Ring Sizes (#4 - #8), Inner Diameters, and Working Loads, please refer to: Corner Fittings & Rings
Retrieval & Handling Hardware (On-Sail)
Section titled “Retrieval & Handling Hardware (On-Sail)”Retrieval Points
Section titled “Retrieval Points”Reinforced attachment points for snuffer or string-drop systems.
| Type | Location | Construction |
|---|---|---|
| Snuffer Patch | Head (internal) | Soft loop or swivel attachment for sleeve |
| String Drop Patch | Central / Belly | Heavily reinforced patch (3-4 layers) with grommet/ring |
| Takedown Line | Leech / Foot | Optional tabs for dousing lines |
Top-Down Furling (Asymmetric Spinnaker)
Section titled “Top-Down Furling (Asymmetric Spinnaker)”Top-Down furling allows asymmetric spinnakers to be furled without a fixed luff.
Refer to Continuous Line Furlers for detailed specifications on:
- Top-Down Mechanism
- Torsion Cables
- Hardware Reference (UBI Maior / FR Series)
Leech & Foot Lines
Section titled “Leech & Foot Lines”Adjustment lines to prevent flutter.
- Leech Line: Standard on most cruising spinnakers. 2-3mm polyester with cleat near clew.
- Foot Line: Optional for racing asymmetrics to control foot curl.
Color & Design
Section titled “Color & Design”UV Resistance by Color
Section titled “UV Resistance by Color”| Color Category | UV Degradation Rate | Service Life Impact |
|---|---|---|
| White/Light Yellow | Slowest | +20-30% longer |
| Light Blue/Pink | Slow | +10-15% longer |
| Orange/Red | Moderate | Baseline |
| Dark Blue/Black | Fastest | -20-30% shorter |
Recommendation: White or light colors for tropical/high-UV areas.
Functional Design
Section titled “Functional Design”| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Contrasting panels | Orientation visibility |
| Center stripe | Trim reference |
| Different colors | Head/tack/clew identification |