The Winklebrig Forum

Hello fellow Winkle Briggers, I'm lucky enough to have some old magazine articles on the Winkle Brig. In the photos and description there is a purpose made GRP mast holder for transportation and to allow you to access the cabin when trailering. It looks like it sits next to the tabernacle and is strapped on. I've been thinking of making something like this to hold the spars etc. has anyone got one or have any experience with said holder?

I have one and occasionally used it to hold the boom and gaff during the winter when the boat was under cover, but never used it towing. I preferred to put the boom and gaff on the roof rack, I have a van so the roof bars are well spaced, and kept the mast in the midline, either still in the tabernacle or with the mast base on the stem. I suppose it might be useful if you have a long journey and need to access the cabin more easily, but it always seemed difficult to secure it really well. If you want to make one I can photograph it with dimensions. All the best, John

Thanks John, I'm just trying to make the whole process of towing a bit more efficient, and it would be handy to be able to still get in the cabin. Currently I've just left the mast in the tabernacle and lashed the spars to the mast, but it's a bit of a faff. I would be very interested to see some pictures of your device. What do you use at the aft end? Is it the gallows or an A frame? 

Thanks again, David

I bolt a temporary extension about a foot long to the centre of the gallows for the mast to rest in, with the foot remaining bolted in the tabernacle, which raises it up sufficiently for cabin access and also helps when raising the mast.
Re your other query, I purchased a new high peaked mainsail from Goacher's, Bowness in 2016 for £624.
 

Mast support.

Photos attached of the GRP spar support. Mine is a later WB so has the gallows to support the mast. Incidentally the gallows in original configuration are not particularly rigid, this can be greatly improved by extending the support to the base of the aft lockers and adding a small wooden support bracket onto the teak rail running across the stern of the boat, both ideas copied from David Bone.
All the best, John

Thanks, David and John some really useful information there, I'll get thinking and have a go at knocking something up. Cheers David.

Hello David,
Hope you have resolved your mast support towing arrangements.
From the 'Gallery,' your vessel does not appear to have gallows, so I presume you use an 'A'frame at the stern, of height according to needs.
Parts of Yorkshire are not too far away from S.Cumbria.
Presently my W/B is in a barn, as a Cornish Cobble is on my Coniston mooring but I intend to change over late August.
If you would like to come over for the day, crawl over and talk all about Winkle Brigs, you are most welcome. Similarly, if you would like a sail with me on W/B 107 in September, that would be fine.
My e-mail address is in the Forum, profile side bar, when you log-in.
All the best,
David.