Comments on this site are not necessarily the opinion of the Dart 15 committee.
Comments are not moderated and people's screen names may not be accurate.
The fittings I believe would be suitable are as follows :-
RWO Block (Cat. No. 70-7224) - Current price ?24.92
RWO Single Pulley Block w/becket (Cat. No. 70-7202) ?3.88
If you also use a twisted shackle through the sail cringle, this will align the top pulley block correctly, and eliminate the need for an extra top swivel fitting.
N.B. The ref. no's quoted are Northampton Sailboats, which are not necessarily the maker's part numbers.
Hope this helps - you might still have time to put this info. on your letter to Father Xmas!!!
Paul Smith 1961 (Beaver S.C.)
from the above info regarding blocks, am i correct in deducing that we are permitted 3:1 purchase? It looks remarkably like the downhaul on my daughters Topper, but if I borrow it permanently, she will no doubt object.
In the same vein, can the trapeze cleats also be updated from the original fittings?
Hi Peter
Your deductions are correct. Yes you are officially allowed a 3:1 purchase, and as passed at 2002 AGM at Whitstable Nationals, you can now legally use the up-graded cam cleat instead of the standard clam cleat V-jammer.This allows you to adjust the downhaul without having to move forward to the mast to do so (a risky manoevre in a blow), although you may need to replace the rope with a longer one.
No additional fittings are allowed.
The standard Topper kicker is the same,using the V-jammer, but the race pack includes the fitting I mentioned earlier.
However, the 'top' spec one uses the larger cam cleat fitting (part 96-5250 Northampton Sailboats ref.), but in my opinion is far too bulky and totally un-necessary for the purpose.
Regarding trapeze cleats, this goes into un-charted waters and has not been discussed or approved, so I will simply give the current legal answer - If you are just pottering around (if that is possible in a Dart), you can fit what you like, if you think it makes life easier for you, but in competition (i.e. racing / open meetings / Nationals etc), then it will be deemed 'OUT OF CLASS' and you will not get a result.
Merry Sailing and Happy New 2003.
Paul Smith 1961 (Beaver S.C.)
