[C320-list] Asymmetrical spinnakker

[Robert E. Sloat]

Ed-I have a UK flasher asymmetric with the sock and use 2 sheets always 
attached to the clew.  I also have the ATN saddle which keeps the tack of 
the spinnaker near the furled genoa and the bail on the anchor roller. 
After jibing we make sure the lazy sheet has a few wraps around the primary 
winch to keep it in the boat.  I also have sheet bags on the rails at the 
stern into which all spinnaker sheets are stuffed after take down and before 
starting the engine.  This helps managing the 60+ feet length of each of the 
spinnaker sheets.

>From day one we have always jibed as described in the UK instructional CD. 
Here is a summary.  Start with being around 150 or greater apparent.  Then 
trim in the mainsail so it is over the boat.  I generally have the main near 
the center of the boat.  Then ease the working sheet for the spinnaker until 
the sail is streaming in front of the boat and forestay.  Then turn the 
wheel for the jibe, trim the new spinnaker working sheet and let the main 
out.  Pulling the main in reduces blanketing of the spinnaker by the main 
and lets the spinnaker flow out in front of the forestay.

These steps are also on the UK website.  And after you do the above drill a 
number of times you can cheat a little on starting wind angle and extent the 
main is pulled in. After a while the whole operation is just one smooth 
process.  With the autopilot on, jibing can be done single handed once you 
get the hang of it.  To jibe with the autopilot you need to punch the 
appropriate +10 button on the Raymarine autopilot 6 or more times depending 
on the apparent wind you start from and end up with.

Good luck showing the chute off.

Bob Sloat
S/V Savannah
Hull 894


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ed Edwards" <edandsue.pt at gmail.com>
To: <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 11:01 PM
Subject: [C320-list] Asymmetrical spinnakker


>I recently purchased an asymmetrical spinakker and have used it cruising 
>and
> racing.  We generally have a minimal crew with moderate experience.
> Routinely we sock the sail before jibing.  Only the working sheet is
> attatched to the clew and the lazy sheet is kept at the bow.  After the 
> sail
> is doused we switch sheets, jibe and then set the sail.  This is a slow 
> but
> safe procedure.  I would like to speed things up during races.  We have 
> been
> encouraged to discontinue dousing the sock, using both sheets and flying 
> the
> sail around the headstay for the jibe.  My concern is that the lazy sheet
> will go under the boat and foul the prop or rudder.
>
> Does anyone have experience, positive or negative, which will help us 
> speed
> up the operation with minimal risk of creating problems?
>
> Ed Edwards    REBOUND  #347