[C320-list] Question for Catalina 320 Owners

[Jack Brennan]

The first thing I'll say is that in most sailboats I've owned and seen, the spinnaker always looks close to brand new, no matter how old it is. That's because it rarely gets used due to the complicated set up. It is just easier to turn on the damn diesel.

That said, I'll give you the inexpensive and easier way to set one up, i.e., the cruiser's version. I'm sure racers will be horrified by this, but I'm mostly concerned with ease of operation, not getting maximum speed.

I had an asym on my previous boat, a Bristol 30, and it sorely needed the extra help in light air. I used to sail it free, with no pole and no attachment to a stay. The tack of the asym had a line about three feet long, and I would tie that to the bale on the anchor roller. Then I would use the spare spinnaker halyard to hoist the asym.

The line on the tack could be adjusted to tighten the asym or give it a big belly, as needed.

I could go maybe four knots in about 6 knots of wind, which was great for that boat. I once got caught in a spot where the wind suddenly went from 5 to 20 knots, and I was going like hell. I'm still not sure how the sail didn't split.

Taking it down singlehanded, I would point into the wind so it piled back on deck instead of into the water. It came with one of those bags (a turtle, I think they're called), but it was old and never worked correctly.

I've never felt the need for an asym on my 320, although I end up using my diesel more than I want due to light air. I'm happy cruising at 3.5- 4 knots in light air.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.







________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Ian Neale via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 2, 2024 3:31 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Cc: Ian Neale <kiwineales at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Question for Catalina 320 Owners

Hi,

We have used a Selden Top Down Furl system and Selden bowsprit.

It makes sail handling a breeze, furl and unfurl from the cockpit.

A little expensive to set up but well worth the money in my view.

Ian Neale. Solutions. 1122.
Sent from. my iPhone

> On 3 Jul 2024, at 1:27 AM, Nancy Dibble via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
>          My husband and I recently purchased a 2005 Catalina 320 and want
> to rig it for a spinnaker. We would like to know how other owners have
> rigged their boats for an asymmetrical spinnaker.
>
> Thank you!
>
> --
> Nancy Dibble
> Science Education Instructor/Mentor/Author
> (559) 240-2024