A Dolphin striker is a small vertical or near vertical spar spanning between the bowsprit and martingale thereby redirecting the direction of the tension in the forward end of the martingale slightly more vertically. This vertical component is necessary to more effectively oppose the forestay's mostly upward tension on the forward end of the bowsprit than would be the case in the absence of the dolphin striker.[1]
On a catamaran such as the Tornado and the Cobra where the mast is stepped on a beam between the hulls the dolphin striker provides support for the beam in order to support the mast load.[2]
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