Running the Lines on the Multihull Bridle

The legs lead from the bobstay chainplate through the bridle plate to a swivel-mount turning block on the bow. From the turning block, the bridle legs passes through the stanchion bases, then through a turning block on the transom (a spinnaker or screecher block is ideal) and finally to a sheet winch in the cockpit. You don’t need a clutch. You can secure the snubber to a cam cleat or even a horn cleat. The spare rope can store in a sheet bag on the lifelines. It is easy to deploy more snubber if conditions call for it.

The overall result is a shorter “fall” when the wind drops and more control to adjust the overall length. Under earlier systems the snubber rubbed on the bottom in calms.

Since climbing rope cannot be spliced, sewn loops are used to form loops on the end of the bridle. A halyard knot will work, too.

2. The snubber arms for the bridle are routed through holes at the base of the stanchions. The arms are routed to a clutch, spinnaker turning block, and then to a sheet winch.

3. The bridles start at the waterline, follow a path through the bridle plate and then to turning blocks on the bow. In this man-ner, the plate develops a low location. This helps to improve scope because it automatically lowers the load’s focal point (the bridle hook) in relation to the water’s surface. Increasing scope, within reason, is almost always a good thing.

4. This photo shows the 2205 custom made duplex alloy plate with 316 stainless-steel, two-part threaded rings. Here it is rigged as it appears in use. The small shackle at the ‘front’ of the plate for securing the bridle while at sea.