Steve, A caution I left out was to make sure you have used the spinnaker with a crew and exercised the raising, jibing and lowering of the spinnaker several times before attempting it single handed. The spinnaker takes a lot of concentration by itself. The correction - I should read what I write before I send it. - The comments on the Asymmetrical cruising spinnaker should have read as follows:
I have used a asymmetrical cruising spinnaker on a CD25 and can't say I was impressed with it - I had more trouble getting the lines (halyard attachment and continuos line sock halyard/downhaul)sorted out and working than I ever had with the cruising spinnaker. The sock jammed on at least 2 occasion out of 4 and presented more problems than without a sock. It's a nice thought but not worth the trouble.
If you watch the Americas Cup you will see both Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Spinnakers in use and it is educational. Thanks Doug Kelch "Seas the Day" M15 #310 --- Doug Kelch <doug_kelch@yahoo.com> wrote:
Steve,
I have single handed fully symetrical spinnakers numerous times on a Tanzer 16 and on an AMF2100. In order to retain control of the boat I rigged a remote steering line from the tiller to the bow and back to the other side of the tiller. The line has enough play in it that you can keep hold of it or keep it close while you are fooling around with the spinnaker.
Some caution must be exercised- - keep yourself hooked to the boat via a jack line - don't even think about it if the wind is over 10 kts Connie indicated the dangers of a sneaky wind increase. Trying to single handle a boat without self steering while the spinnaker is surging all over the place is very hazardous to your health. They are very powerful sails. - make sure you have lots of room (clear nautical miles to leeward) to raise and lower the spinnaker. It takes some time to work your way through it all without a mistake and 3 times as long with one.
If you want I will describe my techniques in an off line email as I wouldn't want to give others bad ideas.
I have used a asymmetrical cruising spinnaker on a CD25 and can't say I was not impressed with it - I had more trouble getting the lines (halyard attachment and continuose line sock halyard/downhaul)than I ever had with the cruising spinnaker.
If you think through all of the steps ahead of time I think the symmetrical spinnaker could be done standing in the hatch of an M15.
If you would loan me your spinnaker for a season I would work out the detail for you :)Joking of course.
Thanks
Doug Kelch "Seas the Day" M15 #310
:
Thanks for the tip, Harvey; it looks like a great book -- but I'm not sure I want to shell out $30 for a book on a subject so specialized, though I'm sure it would help me. On another spinnaker note: has anyone ever tried to make a spinnaker "sock" or douser before? I have an idea how it must work and am thinking of trying to make one. If spinnakers are as hard to handle (even dangerous) as I've heard, the sock would be the *only* way to single-hand one. (I do most of my sailing single-handed). Has anyone ever single-handed a spinnaker on an M-15? With or without a sock?
Hi Steve.. There's a book out called "Spinnaker Handling" by Bent Aarre (correct spelling). Like you, I have a spinnaker for my M-17, but never have used it. Now that I'm retired, I'll try it when the weather gets warmer<GG> Regards, Harvey/ Ga M-17 Stargazer #294
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