Dart 15 Forums

Robin Boardman wrote:

Could anyone answer these two questions please.

1) Are we allowed to fit a compass to a Sprint15? I would like to fit one if possible for no other reason that I like to sail with one.

2) What are the rules governing the type of downhaul we are allowed to fit?

Robin Boardman 1949

George Stephen replied:

Hi Robin,

A few messages lower on the Chat page is one from you which extols this website and its webmaster. You're about to learn a bit more about its excellence....

1) Try entering compass in the search box on the Chat page. You'll then get a list of earlier Chat massages which include the word compass. The first item prior to your own enquiry (and possibly also this response) was in August this year - if you click on it you'll get straight to a Chat entry in a short chain, which gives you all you need to know.

This Search facility is often a good way of finding what you need to know, with background, without waiting for someone to try to provide an answer....

2) If you click on Rules in the left hand column you can download the Class Rules (except for extreme details). These contain (when you go far enough through them) a list of permitted variations from the boats supplied as standard, including the downhaul data you seek. You may also find out more on permitted downhaul arrangements by using the Search facility.....

If you find the Class Rules tedious, a guy called Charles was the last person involved in significant updating work (I don't know if the on-line Rules have been updated for the change made at the 2006 AGM - allowing quick release batten ends)

George

Martin Searle replied:

Robin,

I found the downhaul arrangement that I use , the new 3 to 1 type, with pulley blocks and a cleat on Shanklin's website:

http://www.shanklinsailingclub.com/ and then goto Sailing and then Hints and Tips.

It also gives you the part numbers. The photo shows you how to rig it up.

I had an old Laser kicking strap that I used the rope from and this allowed me to tie the tail of it off to one of the lacing loops at the back of the trampoline so that I can reach the downhaul line from any position in the boat useful for taking it off when bearing away in F5 or above! ie you don't have to dive forward to do so. I use a big twisted shackle instead of a hook although there is a disadvantage with using this since it takes longer to take the downhaul onoff the sail, I'm not sure if this is 'legal' but nobody whinged about it at the nationals.

Martin Searle
Seasalter Sailing Club.

Robin Boardman replied:

Thanks George for your full reply. I should have thought of using the search facility (I have done before) but suppose I just wanted someone to talk to me!!

Robin Boardman replied:

Thanks Martin, just the information I was looking for

Regards

Robin Boardman

Charles replied:

Robin

Have a look at mine next time your at the club.