Melges 24 by KINGSPOKE

Finding an edge can be a challenge in any One Design class. All of the boats are measure the same but the top boats tend to find ways to use every bit of performance that the boat will give them. In a class such as the M24, choosing the correct running rigging combination can present massive performance gains when utilized correctly. Selecting the right core, cover material and halyard attachment could very easily gain several inches of halyard on a Spinnaker Halyard setup. Low stretch cores with a tightly braided and grippy cover combined with the low-profile Nubb attachment seem to give the best combination for a Spinnaker Tack line and Halyard.

A chain is only as good as its weakest link and as certain parts of the boat start to improve, it becomes apparent where the next point of weakness is. As you start to reduce stretch from the systems, loads can become higher and efficiencies become more important. As halyards improve and sails improve, it is important to remember to improve the hardware around it to ensure that the changes remain effective. We tailor each hardware to address the objectives that each boat is trying to achieve while staying within the rules and standards set by the class.

Some simple changes in your One Design running rigging or hardware can allow the systems to work much better for you. Sometimes we want a sheet to have “more grip” or “run smoother” or “stretch less”. And sometimes it can be a combination of several factors.