How To Use A Whisker Pole For Better Sailing, Part 1 | Ep. 130

If you are sailing downwind, you can greatly improve both your speed and control by using a whisker pole. In this Part 1 video, I walk you through why a whisker pole is helpful for a sailboat and how to choose the right one for your boat. With footage from our 44 foot cruising sailboat Sea Rose, you’ll learn about the many benefits of a whisker pole. I also describe, using the example of poles from Forespar and Selden, the many design options, sizing and stowage considerations so you can make the right decision for your boat and type of sailing. Be sure to also check out Part 2 in this series, where I explain step-by-step how to properly install a whisker pole, and all the details on how to actually deploy the pole for downwind sailing.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro/Goals
1:04 Whisker Pole Benefits
5:56 Pole Selection
6:25 Pole Material
7:29 Pole Stowage
8:19 Pole Mounting
9:00 Pole Manufacturers
9:32 Pole Sizing
10:49 Custom Pole Kits
11:16 Wrap up

Music credits:
Broken Water (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever

[Misteribel]

I wished I had seen your video years ago, this is gold, and i love the simple explanation with the wind rose.

One suggestion, my personal preference is to lower the pole the other way around. The attachment point stays low, and you lower the top with a line (you may need to create a feeder in the mast). More control and less chance of injuries.

If you hit a wave and drop it and it hits your leg or foot, it's not gonna be nice. Having full control at all time, and allowing one hand for the boat, one for yourself, is very important.

[langstonholland]

Perfect presentation, narration and diagrams for this aspiring sailor - thank you!

[jotasimunovic]

Was so nice meeting you guys! As I mentioned personally, thanks for the video and all the detail given. Couldn’t be any better. Looking forward for more tips 🤙🏽 hope to see you around again soon! Fair winds

[ivanlaracuente]

I bought a 1984 Dufour 3800 and it had an aluminum whisker pole and I had no idea what it was for. Thanks a lot for the video! The boat is in La Parguera in Puerto Rico a very beautiful place in the Caribbean.

[maurizioferrario]

Very useful video and Info. I am just considering installing a whisker pole for my Island Packet 40. Thank you

[ratusbagus]

Really good explanatory video and wonderfully calm and timed narration. You're good at this!

So could I ask a question my crew often ponder.
What would (or could, in the ideally worst conditions for it) happen if your boat seriously gybed while you were goose winged under pole and preventer?.... In various conditions.
I know the remedy is to ungybe ASAP, but not what would happen if for some reason you didn't.
Other informed comments are welcomed too.

[Maerten-usvu]

Thank you useful video and information.

[Nozzall]

With a solent rig you can drop the mainsail and open both headsails on opposite sides in effect creating a huge gennaker.

[cubillofa]

great video thanks
was looking for it

[MPG]

I used to over extend the pole a bit and get the clew past the forestry. I call that “Snipeing” My brother in law is putting the pole out on the same side as the boom when sailing off the quarter. I call it a “Jockey Pole” looks like you did that too.

[Airsails]

FYI: The length of the whisker pole is based on your J dimension ( distance from the front of your mast to the base of your headstay). In racing your maximum allowable length is 1.4 X J.

[MindBodySoulOk]

I just fly a genoa and no main when running