DaySailer.org Forum

hello all,

my stemhead fitting has three holes fore to aft. first two are smaller than the third, which is aftmost. I use the larger one to secure the jib tack and the one nearest the bow for the forestay. The middle one is not used. What is its purpose? Am I doing something wrong?

I had the same question when I got my boat, and did the same thing you describe. I haven't thought about it much since, but in all those years I've not observed anything detrimental from that choice.

Count me a among the curious to learn whether there's an "official" right thing to do.

It could be to secure the tack of an asymmetrical spinnaker. Not using a spin pole makes tacks and jibes easier.

Forward hole for forstay
middle hole for jib tack
aft hole for jib cunningham, if used

just my best guess ...