Will halyards rub if crossed?

[Jason Raaum]

I'm in the process of mounting a cleat on the mast so the foredeck can raise/lower the spinnaker without the help of the cockpit. I appreciate all the past writings on this subject.

One question that was never posed or addressed was in crossing the halyards inside the mast. We typically use the halyard exiting the mast on the port side atop the forestay (since we typically round the mark to port in a race), but would like the foredeck to raise from the starboard side of the mast. I noticed that the two forestay halyards are off-plane from each other, meaning one exits the mast a lot aft from the other. Is this offset enough to prevent the two halyards from rubbing if they are cris-crossed inside the mast? I assume so, but wanted to ask the question if anyone knew for sure.

Thanks for your help!

Jason Raaum
Up & Coming
#129

[Rudeman]

I just finished doing this on my mast. Basically the holes you cut for the halyards should be stagered to allow for the halyards to run freely inside the mast, however to also allow for the halyard to escape the mast and pass through the cleat with obstructing another cleat, and to line up with a base block in the bottom and back to your clutches.

My mast now has the spin halyard halyard and topping lift exiting to starboard, both having cam-cleats on the mast - this way the foredeck can set the pole and raise the kite indep. without needing help from the rest of the crew. On port is the main halyard and two genoa halyards, only one cam in on this side to allow for temp. cleating if something is up in the back of the boat.

[Guest]

use the starboard halyard for your spin halyard - your bowman will be on the windward side of the boat when raising the spin at the windward mark.