Cisco. Starting the thread on staysail/foresail rigs.
Top picture is a JibTop. A lightweight high cut clew headsail specially designed for close reaching at angles too tight for a Code 0 or assymetrical chute. The second picture is a heavy cloth staysail presently set up as a Slutter rig. Ie Tack is set at a strongpoint on deck Aft of head stay but hoisted on head stay halyard. Both sails can be flown in a cutter configuration off the wind. The staysail can fly on its own upwind in a strong breeze. It's equivalent to a #4 jib on my boat. The staysail will be fitted to a structural furler on an anti torsion line enabling the furled sail to be lowered and stored below.
Soft hanks are the same as soft shackles ie a high modulus fibre rope loop and ball or toggle that works like the old duffle coat buttons. In my case I actually hoist the #3 in the head foil but use the soft hanks to keep the sail under control when it is lowered. Have a look at all the maxi yachts. They all use hank on sails.
Similarly have a look at the Volvo 65's. They fly all their stay sails on structural furlers and can furl the sails and raise and lower the furled sails. Simplifies short handed sail control immensely.
My middle son is presently converting a milling machine to a CNC machine. When complete will be able to go into production of the furler units as per pictures of the top swivel unit.
Is your son still involved in rowing?
My niece just won a Bronze medal in the pairs in the under 23 World Championships. Adds to the Olympic Silver my nephew won in London. Looking forward to Rio.
