Your Opinion of Spinnakers

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

I tack the Spinnaker thru the foretriangle, as I do the Jib or Genoa.
I try to simplify things.

[balloonist]

I have a spinnaker, but have only used it once so far, and loved it. The same day there was a “Blade 16” catamaran flying one also. He could launch and retrieve it easily solo, using a “mid-pole snuffer”. After examining his set up, I’m convinced I can do the same with my asymmetric. I am just about to start sewing on the kite to attach three retrieval points: one 9 foot down from the head, one 9 foot from both the tack and, one half way in between. The snuffer bag is 9 foot long tapered from a 16 in diameter fixed hoop attached to the pulpit. Launch experiments in the driveway with a loose clew so far look good. I am trying to set it up so I can launch and retrieve without leaving the cockpit. My set up will be a “mid-bow snuffer” with a tack control line on the starboard. The halyard and retrieval line down the port. I intend to fly it outside, but I still need a place to attach the tack turning block. So far the tack block is attached to the bow cleat, which is too far aft. Has anyone else tried something like this?

[Frank C]

Has anyone else tried something like this?

Just read the book, but couldn't get all the way through it.
Maybe I need to see the movie!

[nemo]

On the Columbia River near portland, OR the wind is usually parallel with and opposite the current direction. So heading up river is always gibe, gibe, gibe.. or wing and wing with the constant threat of an accidental gibe, or many put up a spinaker and run with the wind.

I'm hoping Santa brings me one.

[delevi]

I bought mine a year ago; got the sock too, but haven't had too many opportunities to use it. Too much wind in most cases or just not enough to even keep the kite full. I think 10 knts is probably perfect for the spin. The times I did use it, I loved it.

[theroche]

First time we set it using the Jib halyard. Knew there could be fouling problems but told myself it would not happen just one time. Wrong. Dropped the mast and installed a separate spinaker pulley and halyard. It works a lot better but I still am learning how to fly and adjust it. When it's set and trimmed hang on what a ride and it looks great.
mike