Let's play: Can you name this piece of rigging?

[globetrot]

I received my BR20 last summer. I had one beautiful sail, but then I experienced a failure in the carbon mast that needed repair. The repair took all summer. 

So I had a chance to set the boat up properly one time before again doing it this spring. As far as I can see, everything is set up correctly, but I have one last piece of kit and can't figure out what it is for.

I have a Bermuda rig with a loose-footed full headsail and no spinnaker.

As far as I can see, the BR20 does not have a Cunningham. Does it?

Hint: it is not my vang.

Does anyone with a BR20 have something similar and can help me put this piece in the right place?

[Graham W]

In the unlikely event that it has nothing to do with the Bermudan rig, which I’m not familiar with, it could be the component parts of the standard mizzen sheet but re-assembled in a confusing way.  Under this scenario, you have the hook to attach to the mizzen boom strop and the two rather cheap RWO blocks that attach to the u-bolts at the outer extremities of the stern.  The large parrel bead might then be an imposter. 

I recognised the cheap blocks straight away, which I have long since replaced, hence my alternative but unlikely lightbulb moment.  You can see a photo of the old standard mizzen sheet hardware on page 15 of the 2010 manual https://www.swallowyachtsassociation.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/BayRaider-June2010.pdf.

[Peter Cockerton]

Looks exactly like the rigging to install the vang on the BR20 boom, secures on a soft shackle around the boom and if I remember correctly ( never use mine as it’s either spray hood up or vang) clips on the tabernacle.

Did you opt for the standard wood or carbon fibre boom.
When you say “it’s not the vang” is that because you have another similar piece of rigging which is definitely the vang.
With my carbon fibre boom I have a Cunningham fitted.
Peter C

[globetrot]

In the unlikely event that it has nothing to do with the Bermudan rig, which I’m not familiar with, it could be the component parts of the standard mizzen sheet but re-assembled in a confusing way.  Under this scenario, you have the hook to attach to the mizzen boom strop and the two rather cheap RWO blocks that attach to the u-bolts at the outer extremities of the stern.  The large parrel bead might then be an imposter. 

I recognised the cheap blocks straight away, which I have long since replaced, hence my alternative but unlikely lightbulb moment.  You can see a photo of the old standard mizzen sheet hardware on page 15 of the 2010 manual https://www.swallowyachtsassociation.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/BayRaider-June2010.pdf.

By Bermudan rig, I am referring to a traditional sloop with no spar. My mizzen sail is already set up and its design hasn't changed. It still has the beige line and a clip. When storing the line and hardware, I did not disassemble anything. I just unattached rigging from its respective place.

Looks exactly like the rigging to install the vang on the BR20 boom, secures on a soft shackle around the boom and if I remember correctly ( never use mine as it’s either spray hood up or vang) clips on the tabernacle.

Did you opt for the standard wood or carbon fibre boom.
When you say “it’s not the vang” is that because you have another similar piece of rigging which is definitely the vang.
With my carbon fibre boom I have a Cunningham fitted.
Peter C

I opted for the wooden boom. I doubt it is the vang because I have another piece of kit that is more likely my vang. I attached a photo, but unfortunately I do not have a photo showing the entire thing.

[Peter Cockerton]

If not the vang, my next thought is halyard tensioner, I opted for the larger jib set on a bowsprit, initially a 3:1 block system was rigged to aid tensioning (between head of jib and mast block) this worked fine but resulted in mtrs of halyard to keep tidy when jib raised and tensioned.

Matt had another option to offer which I think is the bit of kit your posting, with a normal single rope halyard a loop is formed in the halyard a mtr or so above the tabernacle, when the halyard is tensioned as hard as you can with muscle strength and cleated off the block system you are describing is attached to the loop and tabernacle and the halyard can be tensioned further with the mechanical advantage, that’s, how mine and Gareth,s are rigged, hope this helps

Peter C

[Sea Simon]

If not the vang, my next thought is halyard tensioner, I opted for the larger jib set on a bowsprit, initially a 3:1 block system was rigged to aid tensioning (between head of jib and mast block) this worked fine but resulted in mtrs of halyard to keep tidy when jib raised and tensioned.

Matt had another option to offer which I think is the bit of kit your posting, with a normal single rope halyard a loop is formed in the halyard a mtr or so above the tabernacle, when the halyard is tensioned as hard as you can with muscle strength and cleated off the block system you are describing is attached to the loop and tabernacle and the halyard can be tensioned further with the mechanical advantage, that’s, how mine and Gareth,s are rigged, hope this helps

Peter C

I'm not familiar with BR20 (no winch, unlike my Bermudan  BRe I'm guessing?) Therefore, my best guess is as per PC above.

[globetrot]

If not the vang, my next thought is halyard tensioner, I opted for the larger jib set on a bowsprit, initially a 3:1 block system was rigged to aid tensioning (between head of jib and mast block) this worked fine but resulted in mtrs of halyard to keep tidy when jib raised and tensioned.

Matt had another option to offer which I think is the bit of kit your posting, with a normal single rope halyard a loop is formed in the halyard a mtr or so above the tabernacle, when the halyard is tensioned as hard as you can with muscle strength and cleated off the block system you are describing is attached to the loop and tabernacle and the halyard can be tensioned further with the mechanical advantage, that’s, how mine and Gareth,s are rigged, hope this helps

Peter C

You could be right! Even if this is not what it is for, I am tempted to try this out because it has been very difficult to get sufficient tension in the jib halyard. I am excited to try this idea out. Thank you!

[globetrot]

Ok, so the mystery is solved. I'm adding this last comment for anyone else that may find it helpful.

Thank you, Graham W, for your comment and for helping to solve the mystery. Swallow has also confirmed our suspicion. Here is Matt's comment:

"The shackle attaches to the bottom of the mast front, and the snap hook into a knotted eye in the Jib Halyard. In this way, you can pull a 4:1 advantage and cleat off at the mast base."

[Graham W]

Louis,

My suggestions were entirely unhelpful - I think it was Peter C who won the star prize.

[globetrot]

Louis,

My suggestions were entirely unhelpful - I think it was Peter C who won the star prize.

You're right! Credit where credit is due: Peter Cockerton. Thank you