Twin Spinnaker Pole Launcher

The twin pole launcher system is especially effective when sailing with small children who do not have the strength to push out the spinnaker pole. This system will allow you to compete with small children in all breeze strengths with relative ease. The system has been in use in the 505 class for about 20 years. The above drawing should also show a shock cord running up the length of the pole back to an exit block on the boom which then turns around a block at the goose-neck end of the boom and out an exit block and out to the other pole. The sheet end of the pole will have one hole drilled in the plastic end plug and the mast end will have 2 holes. One hole for the launcher rope and one for the shock cord to stow the pole on the boom when not in use.

Sketch of pole setup

Barber hauler (aka tweaker) alongside side stay chain plate

Stopper positioned roughly 100mm from the halyard's end, spacing the spinnaker from the mast

End of the pole in contact with the clew

Front end of one of the twin poles in the stowed position on the boom

Back end of pole showing bungee (shock cord) and pole cord

Cam cleats on port and starboard side of the mast, corresponding to the twin poles

A firmly mounted turning block leads the pole cord into the cleat

Cord passes through 90 degrees (orientation of the boom to that of the mast) leading down to the mast gate

Bungee / Shock cord entry via turning block into the boom

Pole cord leads directly to brace / sheet in front of the side stay

Pole cord fully in holding the pole in the deployed position