What would be the best set up for the spin sheet blocks? I am retrofitting a NACRA 5.8 and my current plan is to go from the spinnaker to a block mounted to the rear cross beam up to another mounted to the jib travel car. I have seen some setups that go from the shroud chainplate to the front cross beam - al la Inter 20

The concern I have with the later is that mocking this up today, the spin-sheet is on top of the dagerboard well – is there a benefit that outweighs the negative of this?

Thanks – getting close to having this project done – hopefully in time for the Hardway Race.

You need to see the chute flying first before you fix the block. The spin lead may need to go inboard and forward.

Determine this position first and then consider how to manage your lines.

Build in the capacity to double your ratchet blocks if you want to distance race. This sucks for a buoys race because the jibes are slow but critical if the crew is to survive a couple of hour chute run.

Another option is to use a block on the chute clew and run the chute back to a cleat near the ratchet block. This will double your purchase on the chute. The down side is that you need to send somebody low to jibe. Deadly on a crowded course.

Remember to set your mast rake first then your pole tip height to get your spin luff lenght correct. Fly the chute on a light air day and change the lead position... looking at the break on the luff and the exhaust on the leech.

Whoever designs your sail should be able to tell you where to put the block. Historically, cats started with rear-beam sheeted large and full sails. However, we're finding that smaller, but higher-aspect-ratio, sails are the ticket...which is why you are seeing more blocks mounted further forward.