Sam - wrote:Hi all

This is my first post, I am fairly new to sailing, and to the Junk Rig. I have had a Kingfisher 22 for about 18 months. I have had her in the water for about 12months and have done about 100 sea miles in her (plus about 40 river miles!)

Over the next few years I am planning to go over to France in her, and down the canal system to the Med. I may want to explore up various rivers, which will inevitably have bridges.

I have the opportunity to purchase a folding mast (I believe made by needlespar, but not 100% sure)

I understand that the substantial hinge is made from stainless, with a stainless sleeve that slides down to keep the mast in position.

I'm guessing that this mechanism is well over engineered, and capable of dealing with heavy seas. 

I thought it would be worth asking if anyone has experience of these masts, and if there are any known reports of them failing?

Thanks

Sam

Hello Sam and Naomi,

It is surely not possible that there should be two junk rigged boats named Lexia,  as ours is.  I checked the date and it is not the first of April, so it must be true.  We do not know why our Lexia is named Lexia.  Maybe you can shed some light.  In terms of hinged masts, one person who does have a lot of experience in that area is JRA member and until recently our Hon Sec, Robin Blain.  It might be worthwhile sending him an e mail copy of what you have just posted. 

Jonathan