H31 B&R RIG DESCRIPTION
PAGE 47
The B&R rig, utilized on the Hunter 31,
eliminates the need for a backstay to
allow for a more efficient mainsail
shape. Fixed backstays are commonly
being designed out of today’s perform-
ance-oriented boats to allow the main-
sail to incorporate a full roach design - a
more aerodynamic shape both for rac-
ing and cruising performance.
To accomplish this, the B&R rig has 30
degree swept spreaders, creating 120
degrees between each rigging point.
This tri-pod arrangement has excellent
strength for sailboat rigs, and has been
used for years to support huge radio
towers.
Additional support is given to the B&R
rig (and is unique to it) with the addition
of reverse diagonal rigging. For exam-
ple, the diagonals that you see begin-
ning at the lower part of the mast, end-
ing at the tip of the spreader, supports
and stabilizes the upper section of the
mast as it creates a triangle with the up-
per shroud.
The B&R rig is designed to be pre-bent
to further add rigidity to the mast section
and eliminate the need for adjustable
rigging (like backstay adjusters). This
design should prove more reliable than
a rig with adjustable backstays or run-
ners, as there is less chance for error.
The large main, small jib, sail plan on
the H31 also eliminates the need for
large overlapping headsails (genoas),
as the driving power comes from the
much improved shape and size of the
mainsail. This allows for an easier tack-
ing small jib, creating good performance
and more comfortable sailing, as it is
less work for the crew.
As the large main is creating additional
mainsheet and leach loading, Hunter
has included a cockpit arch whereby the
mainsheet and leech loads are directed
to the strong part of the boom (the out-
board end) and is located at the heavi-
est loading point of the mainsail. The
cockpit arch serves addition safety and
comfort functions as handholds and
cockpit canvas attachment points.
B&R rigs have been used on thousands
of sailboats, and we are proud to incor-
porate this successful design on your
new Hunter.
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