As we all know, there is quite a bit of new technology being adapted to sailing - much of it focusing on making boats easier and/or more effective to sail by sailors with disabilities.  Below are a miscellaneous collection of adaptations that have been made.  If you have any questions, or would like more information, let us know and we would be happy to help.  If you have any brilliant ideas or have developed something that is not featured here, please let us know so that we can get the information out.  Check back often as we are constantly adding new equipment to this list.

The Whisker Pole

Whisker pole - a boom held pole set like a 2.4mR or Snipe from the cockpit.  Drawings have been sent to the IFDS so that all countries can copy for practice.   Poles may also be purchased if you do not wish to build your own - contact Gene Hinkel at Sailing Alternatives for more information.

Dimensions & Specifications
Pole:                10 feet - maximum of 310 cm
Line:                 6-8 mm, 30 feet in length
Shock Cord:    6-8 mm, 25 feet in length
Additional:       2 end plugs & 1 slider ring
Hardware:
         Harken             Ronstan
1        088         1017
1        084         0896
2        082         0892
1        404         1950		 whisker pole diagram  Enlarge view

The Jib Fine-Tune

This is a system developed by Gene Hinkel that has been successfully used by a growing number of teams.  There are versions that are permanently mounted, and also those that can be moved from boat to boat.  For more information, or to purchase a complete system, contact Sailing Alternatives.

A Cheek bullet block RF 1978
B Single block, looptop, becket with RF 1950 shackled to becket
C Single block RF 892
D Cam cleat RF 5010

Shackles
2 RF 633
2 RF 617
2 RF 1806

Shackles needed to fasten 1950 to 1951 also
jib sheet to 1951 - Large shackle that just fits
around jib car.

Sonar Fine Tune  click to enlarge diagram       click to enlarge

Transfer Bench

This design has been around for quite a long time.   We are working on a fiberglass version that will be lighter, stand up better, and prevent the (obvious) splinter problems.

Notes:
1) Suggest ½” marine plywood throughout
2) Reinforce the box and transfer board with 2x4s
3) Top of the box and transfer board should be
coated with something slick to allow easy sliding
4) Two wheels can be attached on one side to
allow tilting and rolling - wheels should not touch
the ground when the bench is flat
5) The transfer board part of the bench must be resting on something when a transfer is made -the board is not made to support weight - merely to bridge gaps.Transfer Bench - Chair to Boatclick to enlarge diagram

Audio Compasses

Raytheon Marine Europe Ltd
Anchorage Park
Portsmouth PO3 5TD UK

Tel. 01705 694642

Sonar Tilt System click here