Star Line Recommendation Page

We would like to hear your experiences. Let us know at info@stargear.net

Mainsheet

Recommended length for a double mainsheet on the Star is 85 ft. Sail with this length in a variety of conditions and if you have several feet of extra line at the end, cut until you feel comfortable with the length.

We recommend a diameter of 5/16's when using the double mainsheet. This might be a little smaller then you might be used to as the standard diameter for the single mainsheet is usually 3/8"

There are several choices that we recommend when selecting which line to use. Our first choice is Alpha Ropes r SSR 8mm or Alpha Ropes SSC 8mm. SSR does not have a core and SSC does. Both are a softer line that doesn't absorb water and is easy to grip. The SSR works better on Follis and the SSC on Lillia's.

Jibsheet

65 ft for a double jibsheet is the recommended length.

There are two schools of thought on whether the jibsheets should be continuous or not. Those that keep the line continuous feel that the jibsheet get less tangled while the people the cut the jibsheet into two separate sheets feel that the continuous jibsheet twists during a race and doesn't run as free. By using two separate sheets the lines are allowed to untwist. The trade off is the free ends tend to tangle more. Out recommendation is to use the continuous jibsheet and if you cannot live with the twisting you can always cut it.

We recommend using the Alpha Ropes SSR in a 6mm (1/4') diameter. The 5mm (3/16") is too small for the real heavy stuff and sometimes runs too freely. We are also starting to experiment with using a tapered Alpha Ropes D-Cup Line and that has worked great.

Backstays

For the upper and lower backstay control lines we can only recommend on line: Intrepid 1/4". It is a soft line the works very well will the various jam cleats and is not slick, popping out of the cleat at the wrong time. Unfornately they stopped making in the the 1/4" size. Go with the Alpha Ropes SSR in 6mm for the same reasons listed above.

For the backstays lines that the crew controls we offer 5/16" Alpha Ropesr D-Cup tapered with an eye on the ends. You don't have to tie the bowline perfectly to get the backstay down to the deck since you have the eyesplices on each end. It tends to run thru the cleats well and the tapered ends run smoother.

For the Lillia style backstays go with Alpha Ropes 8mm SSC.

If you have the wire backstays or need to replace spectra line we suggest you look at 3/16" Samson Amsteel. It is easy to splice.

Control Lines

Control lines need to be lightweight and run well. We are finding ourselves using the MovStar SSR more and more for control lines. It's lightweight. strong and runs wells with less kinks. Movstar Ultraneema and Superneema are also great choices also.

Line Manufacturer's Load Ratings