Unfortunatelt the hoop on Chambulls has terminally failed. So that we can sail at the bloody mary (as I don't think I have time to source and fix in a hoop by next weekend), I believe I could convert to a rope horse set up temporarily.

Rather than fix the horse at the end of the boom, as this would require me to make 'structural changes', i.e. something to hang a block off at the end of the boom and some eyes on/near the transom to attach to, I am considering fixing the horse at the centre, using the eyes that the traveller handles can through as fixing points.

Will this work, any one else have a similar set up?

Alan,

Happy New Year to you.

I believe Steve Leney of 'Carbonator' sails a Winder Tales without a hoop, hopfully he might read your plea and put you in the right direction.

I do not see any reason why you could not use the eyes where the handles for the traveller exit as long as his area is structurally capable of taking such load. Laurie Smart ued a similar system when he had Make it So and Richard Bramley uses a bridle system on 3625 very successfully. I will try and dig out some photos of lauries set up and email them to you. It maight be a starter for 10!!    

Good luck

Richard

I thinh the easiest way to do this would be to attach the strops to the toestrap position on the drop thwart.

This might involve replacing the metal plates with deck eyes if the eyses won't go over the plates but involves no structural work and is easy to put back.

PS, the eyes for the pull up rope will probably not be man enough unless it's a drifter.

Good thought

What was the nature of the failure Alan?  I'm curious.

hoop has two uprights, hollow s/s, and a solid cross bar welded, broke 5mm into the solid cross bar,near the weld to the hollow upright. clean fracture, think it is called work hardening.

Alan,
always look on the bright side.
it could have been a carbon something or other.

May 2006 bring you less breakage.

Alan isnt having much luck with things breaking check the mast out

the worse thing is that chambulls is being lent to me for next season

We broke 2 masts last year.

Mark, I take it from your ingratitude at being lent that lovely Winder 'tales with a Chipstow rig that you would rather be sailing WAPB this year?

Well said!

A rope strop fixed arround the thwart (if you have one) with eyes screwed undernieth to prevent it slipping inboard, will work a treat.   

This arrangement has done me proud for years.

Thanks Bob, can you breifly describe how many block and where do you thread to. i.e. Mainsheet jammer to boom then to where, is it to a block on the horse and back to the boom?

to be honest i think i could put up with my dad for a season and therefor sail a spanking new one