h386 B&R RIG WITH STRUTS DESCRIPTION
PAGE 47
The B&R rig, utilized on the Hunter
386, eliminates the need for a
backstay to allow for a more efficient
mainsail shape. Fixed backstays are
commonly being designed out of
today’s performance-oriented boats
to allow the mainsail to incorporate a
full roach design - a more
aerodynamic shape both for racing
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.
The latest advancement to the B&R
rig is the addition of mast struts.
These struts stabilize the lower
section of the mast, allowing
compression loads to be spread,
reducing the point loading at the
mast base. They also create a
strong point for the boom and
spinnaker pole loadings. The struts
function also allow us to use a
smaller mast section reducing weight
aloft to decrease the heeling and
pitching moments, making for a more
comfortable ride. Additionally, they
provide a secure handhold when
going forward.
The struts perform an important
structural function, therefore never
sail your boat without the struts
properly fitted. If your 386 is
equipped with the in-mast furling
option, the mast is a larger section
size and the struts are not utilized.
Additional support is given to the
B&R rig (and is unique to it) with the
addition of reverse diagonal rigging.
For example, the diagonals that you
see beginning by the top of the mast
strut, ending at the tip of the
spreader, supports and stabilizes the
upper section of the mast as it
creates a triangle with the upper
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 runners, as
there is less chance for error.
The large main, small jib, sail plan on
the 386 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 tacking 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
outboard end) and is located at the
heaviest 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 incorporate this successful
design on your new Hunter.
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