Dart 15 Forums

Robert England wrote:

Does anyone have a serviceable trapeze harness (size L)going spare? I keep rigging my trapeze wires whenever I take my boat somewhere but since I'm likely to race Una Rig I haven't splashed out on a posh new one so far as it wouldn't get much use. The penny has just dropped that maybe I should leave the wires off!

On a similar note, are the furler drum and jib halliard necessary when racing Una Rig?

I'll be going to the Nationals, so if anyone has a harness and is willing to sell, my boat number is 1351 and I'll be somewhere near to the back of the fleet...

George Stephen replied:

Hi Robert,

Remember that the "Racing Authorities" (ISAF/RYA) are in the process of bringing in a Racing Rule which means that harnesses must have approved quick release systems (so that crews don't get trapped under capsized boats and drown!). There ahs been an inordinate delay while the approval details are sorted out (it's an International thing and will probably take a few more years and deaths before they agree....). So whatever you buy may have a limited life - you're probably sensible to try to get a second hand one cheaply - buying a new one with a quick release system might turn out to be a poor deal if its quick release system doesn't make the approved list....

You'll find that most Unarig sailors leave off the trapeze wires and shockcord, the jib halyard and block, and the furling drum (you might need a longer bit of string to tie off the forestay...). The Unarig sailors who don't sail Sport will probably also have dispensed with all the toeloops etc (some Sportsters also take off toeloops, but this is a personal preference issue).

George

Robert replied:

Thanks George,

As it takes me a while to get the boat off the roof of the car and rigged ready to sail I'm grateful for any little thing which doesn't need to be done. This includes untangling the trapeze wires from the shrouds, forestay, jib halliard and furler string.

I have now separated the trapeze wires from the thingy that slides onto the mast and getting rid of the jib halliard and furler will be a great help.

Hopefully soon someone will offer a trailer for sale and I'll be able to get onto the water in not much more than double the time that it takes a sailor I heard about from Whitstable...

(That's if I arrive in my wetsuit!)

Cheers

Robert.

Charles replied:

...Robert, you are too modest, I don't think you'll be at the back of the fleet !

See you at Netley

Charles
1237

Robert replied:

Thanks Charles, but without Carsington and Halifax Tutors egging me on I'll probably muff it all up - especially the starts!

Good Luck - show them what the Monaco edition can do!

Robert
1351

George Stephen replied:

Robert,

There is a ProAm competition, so you should have a Pro (or maybe an Am?) to provide advice and encouragement on the 2nd and 3rd days.

George

Robert replied:

Thanks George,

I'll be happy to accept whatever help and encouragement I can find.

Robert.