Hi all

Raced on the 349 today on a 3 lap around the bay race and had a bit of a mishap on the second lap when we hoisted the spinnaker and when it was fully up the snap shackle on the halyard opened and the spinnaker dropped on to the deck

Not sure why this happened but perhaps during the hoist the ring on the release pin snagged on something

Anyway we did the second and third lap without the spinnaker (it was only a short downwind leg) and after the race when we were back in the marina (it was blowing 20 knots on the river) one of the crew went to the top of the mast in the boson's chair to get it back down

This got me thinking is a snap shackle the best way of attaching the halyard to the spinnaker or would a conventional shackle be more secure

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Regards Don

Captive pin shackle is commonly used for halliards. Marginally more secure, but nearly as quick as a snap shackle.

Was it a pull pin or fid (quick) release type snap shackle?

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Yara said..
Captive pin shackle is commonly used for halliards. Marginally more secure, but nearly as quick as a snap shackle.

Hi Yara

Thought about that but would it need to have a swivel in it in case it was hoisted with a wine glass in it and it needed to unwind

Regards Don

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brett221 said..
Was it a pull pin or fid (quick) release type snap shackle?

Hi Brett

It was one like this

Regards Don

I used that kind for years and no probs. Maybe it wasn't quite latched on the mishap occassion? When they get worn they open easier too.

What knot or eye splice? Could be getting the split ring caught at the block and causing it to release? Do you have a stopper?

You could also try one of these which are less likely to foul and easy to release one handed, whereas the pin type you tend to use both hands to release.

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FreeRadical said..
What knot or eye splice? Could be getting the split ring caught at the block and causing it to release? Do you have a stopper?

You could also try one of these which are less likely to foul and easy to release one handed, whereas the pin type you tend to use both hands to release.

I use these clips on our spinnaker sheets and they are excellent. I have used the Ronstan clips as above and have had problems with them flicking open. Basically you don't want a clip with a string or ring as they tend to flick open. Yor are better off using a clip that requires a spike to release. The above clip can be released by a spike but we only ever use our finger.

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Jode5 said..

FreeRadical said..
What knot or eye splice? Could be getting the split ring caught at the block and causing it to release? Do you have a stopper?

You could also try one of these which are less likely to foul and easy to release one handed, whereas the pin type you tend to use both hands to release.

I use these clips on our spinnaker sheets and they are excellent. I have used the Ronstan clips as above and have had problems with them flicking open. Basically you don't want a clip with a string or ring as they tend to flick open. Yor are better off using a clip that requires a spike to release. The above clip can be released by a spike but we only ever use our finger.

same as jode if using ronstan ones tape them or nothing beats a bowline

So, FreeRadical, what make/model is your clip?

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saintpeter said..
So, FreeRadical, what make/model is your clip?

That is a Wichard (read expensive) and that type is primarily for spinnaker sheets. You see the hinge pin is in the middle to make sure of a release when it is fired from a spinnaker clew.

Most other snap shackles have the hinge pin offset so the load of say a halliard is not carried directly by the hinge pin.

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saintpeter said..
So, FreeRadical, what make/model is your clip?

I got these Wichards for the spinnaker. I like the one with the lanyard for tack line as it's easy to fire, but need to be careful it doesn't get caught. I initially extended it, but quickly learnt that wasn't a good idea.

Would probably prefer trigger on the sheets, but didn't think too much about it when buying. We have had the spinnaker sheets come off once or twice with the pin type, possibly from them twisting around each other and catching the split ring.

Also have a pin type on the spinnaker halyard, not sure of the brand, but it's never failed. Use a halyard knot on all the halyards which is a good knot for the job, hence the name.

Anyone tried dyneema soft shackles? Make a lot of sense. Use them on my jib clew with great results.

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Madmouse said..
Anyone tried dyneema soft shackles? Make a lot of sense. Use them on my jib clew with great results.

I use one on my headsail.

Has anyone used a soft shackle for spinnaker halyard and or sheets?