Spinnaker vs. Asymmetric - how to tell the difference

jmunson2 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

Namaste!

Well, after sailing our "little" boat for a while, we'd like to give our spinnaker a shot.

Trouble is, we're not sure if it is an asymmetric or normal. I suspect asymmetric from the lack of spinnaker/whisker pole and the words "tack" and "clew" on the kite.

However, that notwithstanding, how does one tell the difference by looking at the sail?

Thanks!

Peace, Love, and Light,

/s/ Jon C. Munson II

JohnRPollard · #2 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

The words "tack" and "clew", as well as the absence of a spinnaker pole, etc, are a pretty sure give-away that it's an asymm.

But if you were to spread the sail out on the ground, you would be looking at an isosceles triangle if it were a symmetric chute, and a scalene triangle if it were asymmetric.

I think you are about to have a lot of fun! Enjoy the ride.

jmunson2 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

Out of curiosity, and for clarification, does a normal spinnaker have the words "tack" and "clew" at the attachment points?

Thanks!

Peace, Love, and Light,

/s/ Jon C. Munson II

JohnRPollard · #4 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmunson2

Out of curiosity, and for clarification, does a normal spinnaker have the words "tack" and "clew" at the attachment points?

No. They will often have "Head" printed at the upper corner, and may have "Tack" printed at both of the lower corners, if anything. More commonly, the lower corners will usually be color coded with trim, one red and one green.

That is because on a standard symmetric chute the tack and clew alternate each time you jibe the sail.

jmunson2 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

Thanks!

That confirms my suspicions.

Peace, Love, and Light,

/s/ Jon C. Munson II

Melrna · #6 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

The short answer is NO. You have an A-sail. They are easy to deploy. The tack end goes to a block on the front of the bow, forward of the jib shroud. Some boats use a bowsprint while other use a hole forward on the plate that holds the jib shroud. The only problem with an A-sail is they are not use dead downwind sailing. Like beating you need to stay off the wind 20-30 degrees off the stern, depending on the sail and boat.

jmunson2 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2008

Thank you for the reply Melrna...

Faster · #8 (**permalink**) 10-09-2008

...and to be certain.... lay it out on the ground and fold it in half vertically from head to mid foot. If its an A sail the corners(clew/tack) won't line up.