Beam of Destiny and Jock Straps

History/Purpose:

Several Olson 30 owners have added a beam that runs athwartships on the aft side of the main bulkhead. This beam is usually bolted through the chainplates using the top two chainplate holes. This beam has become affectionatley know as the “Beam of Destiny”. In addition, “Jockstraps” have been installed from the base of the mast to the chainplates on the forward side on the main bulkhead on each side of the boat.

The objective of the “BOD” is to reduce the amount of hull flex and to enable the boat to carry more rig tension. The main purpose of the “Jockstraps” is to control mast compression  as some boats have fractured the stringer that sits beneath the mast step.

Both of these items became class legal back in 2000, however, it’s important to note that they are not required from a safety point of view. They do, however, stiffen the boat and reduce hull flex which appeals to the serious racer!

They have been built from stainless steel, laminated hardwood, and carbon fibre