Wouter,

I am not sure about this. A strut over the spinaker pole (whatever the name) doesn't seem to be unnecessary, complicated or heavy.

If you want to extend the jib foot down to the spinaker pole, just add a vertical strut and it's done. The strut will also reduce the free length of the pole, so it will serve two structural purposes. Seems quite simple, light and efficient to me.

You can avoid the strut if the jib foot is fixed to the bridles instead of the pole, but then the foot is higher and you loose sail area exactly where it generates more power (luff) and less heel (low). Not a smart move.

You can avoid the strut by lowering the bridles so that they attach the hulls to the spinaker pole, but then they wil partially submerge when the boat heels (more drag). Also, not a smart alternative.

If my memory is correct, all the maxi cats use one of those bridles, as most cruising cats do. Am I missing something here? Could you please detail your point of view?

Thanks,
Luiz