i have a question for the forum. I have a F18 spinnaker ready to go for this boat as well. Do you think i need to add another set of diamond stays like they have on the 6.0 to supports the rig? I heard stories of a 5.8 rig bending severely under spin loads, but that was in heavy air double trapped.

I'm wondering if running this as a singlehander will reduce the mast loads due to lower weight? i really don't want to add the second set of diamonds if i dont have to. thoughts????? (i also dont want to lose a rig tho haha)

Update:

the understay sytem is completed, and very functional. Lifting on the forestay attachment point lifts both hulls in sync. i ended up using dyneema sized for stretch, to contend with the huge loads the angle of the understay will produce.

The pole is supported with adjustable cables (1/8"), the pole spreader is fabricated, and also quite functional for pole end support of the chute.

I have the new tramp from SLO Sail in Canvas on (GREAT experience)

I have the SNU snuffer mocked up, but not in its final mounting place (Dennis of barefoot studios was awesome to deal with as well) The spin. retraction system is ready to go too.

I have my furler mounted, i have the spin halyard system finished. I have a automatic furling system in the works as well. Basically when the spin halyard automatically brings the spin tack to the end of the pole, it will also furl my jib. (to make things easier to singlehand downwind) I have it set up in such a way as to be detachable so im not obligated to run them together. will it work? not positive, but we'll see.

Still need to finish the traveler, the new tillers, the boom and main sheeting system and the traps, and then a thousand little details....

Final numbers on SA are about 46 M^2 with all sails flying. 25 M^2 with main and jib. The squaretop main is being built by Whirlwind now.