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H426 B&R RIG WITH STRUTS DESCRIPTION
The B&R rig, utilized on the Hunter 426,
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 426 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 426 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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