How do you fasten heel to step?

[billknny]

I gather this is required by some of the racing rules, but under what conditions would it be a benefit?

Seems to me if the mast was far enough out of column to jump out of the step, you would have a lot of other more serious problems. I could likely rig up something that would hold the mast down, but I'm struggling to see the how it would do a better job than the existing rigging above the deck.

[Jim Fulton]

Consider the scenario where the mast breaks at the spreaders. Most of the standing rigging will be useless. At a minimum, having the heel of the mast fastened to the step will keep it from jumping off and punching a hole in the bottom of your boat. It may also make jury-rigging something that will get you home a little easier.

Jim Fulton

[Brian Duff]

of course there could be merit to another system, THE BIG RED BUTTON- lets just say your sailing along on a nice sunny day and WHAM- you get hit by a microburst and your laid over 90*, the hatches are open and shes going down !

hit the red button, all chainplates blow up and the rig flys away in the breeze !

also every boat should have THE BIG RED BUTTON FOR KEEL BOLTS, in case of hull damage at sea or serious grounding. This system combined with closed cell foam bunk cushions should keep your vessel aflot in emergency.


i already have a patent on the idea so don't even think about marketing it !