Based on the former Olympic ‘Tornado’ class, the Hurricane 5.9 was designed by Reg & Robert White in Brightlingsea, Essex. The design aimed to make high-performance catamaran sailing accessible to a wider range of sailors. Now, almost 40 years later, the class has modernised with an asymmetric spinnaker, square-top sail and self-tacking jib, but maintains the same welcoming and accessible ethos, still providing close one-design racing and incredible value for money to a strong fleet around the UK.
Below is a full-fitting guide from Ben Harris – 2023 Hurricane 5.9SX national champion and Team Allen sailor.
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Mainsheet
Bottom Mainsheet Block: A2159 – 50mm Quint With Ratchet And Adjustable Cleat
Top Mainsheet Block: A2059 – 50mm Quint Dynamic Block
The above blocks achieve a 10:1 mainsheet purchase. To achieve the maximum 11:1 purchase allowed by the Hurricane 5.9SX class rules, an additional A20401S Single 40mm with Strap can be fitted to the becket, with the mainsheet rope reeved as shown below.
Jib Sheet
Jib Sheet Secondary Double Block: A2022Tii – 20mm Double Tii-On Block (dogbone attachment to forestay eye).
Jib Sheet Secondary Single Block: A2020Ti3 – 20mm Single Ti3-On Block (spliced to tail end of 3mm Dyneema Primary Jib Sheet).
Jib Sheet Primary Single Block: A2020 – 20mm Single Block (attached to clew shackle).
Jib Sheet Swivel Cleat (x2): A5866-77 – Performance Swivel Cleat.
Self-Tacking Jib System: A4491-1.2M – 1.2m Self-Tacking Jib System.
Using a dog-bone to attach the jib sheet system to the forestay eye makes it super easy to attach the jib sheet system when rigging, and also allows quick and easy removal of the system to avoid leaving the rope and blocks in the UV when you’re not sailing!
Spinnaker Sheet
Spinnaker Sheet Ratchet Blocks (x4): A2360 – 60mm X2 Auto Ratchet.
Four 60mm Auto Ratchets work nicely on the Hurricane, with one shackled to the front beam and another on the adjustable track, on each side. This allows for good holding power on the spinnaker sheet whilst sailing downwind, but the ratchet will release when the load is eased (gybes, drops etc.), so the sheet will run freely, making your life easier when pulling the kite down or to the new side.
Replacing the beam-mounted ratchet block with an A20401 (40mm Single Block) would reduce friction further for light winds, making trimming super light and easy, but the removal of the ratchet block would significantly increase the trimming load in strong winds.
Spinnaker Halyard
Halyard Hoist Block: A2030TiiHL – 30mm Single Tii-On with High Load Sheave.
Pole Mounted Tack Block: A2030LZ – 30mm Single Stand-Up Fixed.
Back-To-Back Block (x2): A2030Tii – 30mm Tii-On Single Block. These two blocks are tied together. Alternatively, use an A2038.
Beam Mounted Turning Block: A2030LZ – 30mm Single Stand-Up Fixed.
Trampoline Host & Drop Blocks (x2): A2030Tii – 30mm Single Tii-On Block.
Spinnaker Halyard Take Up: A..87-20 – 20mm Aluminium Thimble.
The stainless steel ball bearings and stainless steel sheave of the A2030TiiHL minimise friction during dynamic loading, such as hoists and drops, but also ensure the block will withstand the static loading of downwind sailing.
Aluminium Thimbles are an easy way to elasticate the halyard on the trampoline, ensuring it is tidy and ready to hoist and drop. Alternatively, 20mm plain bearing blocks are a good choice for take-up systems.
Mast Rotation
Mast-Cleated System
The original Hurricane mast rotation system uses a ‘flip-flop’ cleat mounted on the rear of the mast. A combination of our 20mm Dynamic Block range provides an easy way to optimise the existing system for low-friction and longevity.
Deck-Cleated System
To allow easy adjustment of the mast rotation from the trapeze, the system can be modified with cleats on the deck, just behind the front beam. The control line is led from the boom, through eyelets in the trampoline and to each side of the boat, via a turning point fixed to the dolphin striker. Use of high-load thimbles in the system minimises moving parts in the system, providing strength and durability against high static loads.
Rotation Lever Single Block: A2020 – 20mm Single Block.
Boom Clam-Cleat Turning Point: A..87-20 – 20mm Aluminium Thimble.
Mast Turning Point : A..87-25 – 25mm Aluminium Thimble.
Dolphin Striker Turning Point (x2): A..87-20 – 20mm Aluminium Thimble.
Deck Cleats (x2): A..77-497 – Ball Bearing Cam Cleat With Mega Pro Lead (Small).
Downhaul
Original 16:1 System
Downhaul Secondary Mast Base Blocks (x3): A2020Ti3 – 20mm Single Ti3-On Block.
Downhaul Secondary Double Blocks (x2): A2022 – 20mm Double Block.
Downhaul Primary Double Block: A2032A – 30mm Articulating Double Block.
Downhaul Cleats: A..77-497 – Ball Bearing Cam Cleat With Mega Pro Lead (Medium).
Using an articulating double block, shackled to the mainsail clew eyelet, allows the sheaves to align perfectly with the rope angle, minimising friction and reducing wear on the blocks and rope.
The A.496 Mega Pro-Lead keeps the rope running centrally through the cleat whilst also allowing for smooth adjustment of the rope at any angle – particularly useful when adjusting the downhaul from the trapeze.
Mast-Cleated 16:1 System
This easy upgrade uses two CL211MK1 Racing Junior Mk1 ClamCleats riveted to the mast, which allows quick and easy attachment/ release of the downhaul when rigging or coming ashore, and also means the primary ‘tails’ can be shortened in strong wind to maximise downhaul range.
Hurricane Rigging Tips
Two A..87-20 20mm Aluminium Thimbles, spliced around the shroud adjuster, provide an easily accessible turning point for the Jib Sheet and Downhaul where either helm or crew can quickly make adjustments whilst on the trapeze.
The A731705-E Carbine Hook With Eye clipped to the diamond wire adjustment bottle screw ensures it does not un-wind whilst sailing, whilst being easy to clip on and off when adjusting tension on the water.
Looking to upgrade your trapeze system? A4461-6 6mm Wire Trapeze Rings offer a direct replacement to the original trapeze rings commonly found on Hurricanes, whilst A4261 features an integrated 20mm block for those opting for a 2:1 system. We also stock a wide range of ClamCleat products; the CL253 is the perfect replacement for worn-out trapeze adjustment cleats.
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