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Topic: toe loops |
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mikes |
Posted: 26-Jul-05 18:50 |
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I bought ISO 880 last November and have been having a great time since with my sailing partners. We think it is a very good boat - very well designed, rapid, responsive and robust. We're quite a bit better now at staying upright but it would help a lot to have some toe loops along the gunwhales to keep in touch with things when it's windier. I've had a look at the class rules and can't really see any enlightenment there. Is it within class rules to drill some holes similar to the ones for the lines that hold on the wings for some toe loops? If it is OK to do this then loads of you have already done it and know exactly where (and where not ) to put them.
Mike
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Pete Lindley |
Posted: 26-Jul-05 19:59 |
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Hi Mike,
as far as I know, nobody has put toe loops on. I do understand what you mean when you say it helps to "keep in touch with things....". My technique as helm is to instruct the crew to hold on to the helm by the buoyancy aid and not the hair preferably. This is really only needed when it is really windy (5+) and realy wavey though.
Be much more gentle on the steering stick and this also helps. Any particular occassions that you require these toe loops?
Pete |
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mikes |
Posted: 26-Jul-05 21:40 |
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Hi Pete
Thanks for your response. We keep the boat at Mountbatten on Plymouth Sound. The Sound is a superb sailing venue for dinghies because it's a big area of open sea surrounded by comforting coasts and a big breakwater. The breakwater will often iron out some of the waves but it depends on wind direction and you usually find some wave action. It's not a problem unless it's blowing hard but if it is then it's very easy to get washed off. Going upwind in a big chop it can be tough to hang on and it feels as if a foot loop about a metre from the shroud would be good. Off the wind in a good breeze is a spiritually elevating experience for all concerned and if you are crewing then loops would provide a bit more of a stable base for the heavy duty spinnaker sheet stuff (hard to do if you are holding on to your helm!) and also would reduce the occasions when gusty conditions throw you forwards involuntarily. We've got quite a way to go yet with our boat handling and I'm sure your right that it will get easier as the helmsman's "touch" improves but as I look round the dinghy park I can see the other assymetrics (29er, RS600 & 800, L4000 & 5000, I14 and Boss) bristling with loops......….
Perhaps I shouldn't drill holes but rather stick some rubber material on with Sikkaflex which would be easier to adapt in the future if necessary.
Mike
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mikes |
Posted: 10-Oct-05 18:22 |
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I should really call them foot loops. Took the plunge and the cordless drill to the gunwhales. 4 small holes, 2 each side about 35 cms from the stern. 2 short bits of line and 2 short bits of garden hose. Crew really appreciated during Final Fling at the weekend!
Mike |
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Bob Ladell |
Posted: 10-Oct-05 18:47 |
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I don't think anyone is going to complain about the addition of footloops to the wings - they have enough material on the outer edge to take them without damaging them. A few crews have simply put non slip / pro-grip along the length of the wing edges - stops sliding but not bouncing clear.
If no wings crews want them on the hull you need to be wary of the "no new holes in the deck rule". The reason for this rule is to avoid damaging the hull and ensuring we, as a Class, don't have broken boats and that everyone maintains the bit about "as long as the watertight integrity is not compromised." A thought in this instance might be a stick on solution ( no holes ) - many adhesives are very suitable these days.
If this, or anything else, becomes an issue for anyone, the correct route is to think through a solution and present it to the Technical Committee for a ruling. Properly thought through solutions often get adopted either as a tweak or get embodied in the rules.
Hope this helps
Bob |
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