Does the original Freedom Spinnaker setup comply with the Racing Rules of Sailing 55.2 and 55.3 ?
This question is probably hypothetical since few Freedoms still have the original gun mount spinnaker setup and race with that setup.
For those who do not follow the Sydney Hobart race, the overall handicap winner was protested and penalized 1hr 5 mins for an equipment violation of RRS 55.3 which put them in second place. Essentially poling out the clew of an asymmetrical spinnaker.
you bring up a great point. I don’t think that the hoyt gunmount is legal under currrent racing rules, but any organizing authority could allow it under their SI’s. as a club judge and occasional race organizer, I’d try very hard to discourage any protests based on the gunmount.
I’ve never had anyone bring this up at our local (Finger Lakes Yacht Club) races.
Its class legal as it is part of the original design of the boat.
There are several boats that had the gunmount. The Freedom 21 and 25 had active classes (I don’t think either is active anymore and I can’t find class rules unless they’re here somewhere), but 32 and 36 had them too, and I am sure there was never an active class for those.
If I’m thinking creatively, I could make the argument that the sail doesn’t have a clew at all, but two tacks, since nothing changes except for the side the boom is on. I think that’s what I would say, anyway.
The other issue is that 55.2 states a spinnaker pole must be attached to the foremost mast which would preclude the beloved pulpit gun mount.
This old Freedom 21 racing video sure looks like a lot of fun !
I love that video, despite its dated sexism.
no, but racing rules are silly. this is one of those occasions where you just look at the rulemakers and wonder if they thought this through. freedoms have had these poles , and twin pole gybes break this too…. er, lol….
I love his line “The gunmount spinnaker takes all the terror out of raising and dousing the spinnaker.”
But so true 
Chris
