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Spinnaker Sheet Retainer for Bow
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Anne Morley
4/30/2026 5:58 PM

What is the best set up for a spinnaker sheet retainer for the bow of an Ensign? This is to catch the spinnaker sheet while racing to prevent it from dropping in the water and going under the keel. Thanks.

Rick Doerr
4/30/2026 10:27 PM
Hi Anne,

I’ve seen what you’re describing attached to the bow on the Ensign and a few other classes. We were thinking of constructing it, but when the bowman put the guy into the jaws of the pole and tightened/ cleated it we found it stopped happening so we never pursued it. Additionally, we installed a continuous line low profile furler that has about a 3” drum that facilitates the line to sit on it. As I look around the fleet, I noticed that those boats with the low profile furlers don’t use that batten for the guy either (usually a small piece of batten secured to the stem fitting is what I’ve seen). 

Best wishes, Rick





Mike Vining
5/11/2026 7:04 PM

Rick,


I don't get it. I have a furler. How does a furler keep the spin sheet from falling over the bow?


And I wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of that bow fitting in the picture.


Mike Vining

USA 101

Second Chance


443 is available to a good home

Rick Doerr
5/11/2026 8:06 PM
Hi Mike,

Usually the spin sheet drops right down on to the drum. The drum width accommodates it nicely, but it is important 
to keep the line in the jaws of the pole on the foredeck and also tighten the guy at that point and it shouldn’t fall off of that. 

(By the way, this should be done after the jib has been unfurled)

Also, we epoxied a 1” strip of Starboard under the rail to secure the Harken jib track to, I know you could probably figure out a way to secure a strip of fiberglass rail in there too if you’re so inclined, I think that would make a better bond if you have those skills. 

Best wishes, Rick 

Bill Murphey
5/1/2026 9:28 AM

We tie wrap an 8" piece of garden hose to the holes on the bow fitting. It is flexible and cheap so it can hit the dock and not matter. We carry a spare just in case.

Rick's use of the furler as a catch is good for those boats with furlers.


Bill Murphey

Chowder, #176

Fleet 63, Barnegat Bay, NJ

Patricia Metzler
5/1/2026 10:33 AM
What we've always used is a tongue depressor taped to the bow. It ain't pretty, but it works until the tape needs to be replaced.

Pat (Vulcan - 634)
Anne Morley
5/4/2026 12:06 PM

Thank you so much for all of the responses to my post about Spinnaker Sheet retainer for bow!! Great ideas!

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