Downwind-Aysm? Whisker Pole? Both?

[PalmettoSailor]

If your boat is equipped with an Asym in a snuffer sleeve, would you also want a whisker pole to pole out the genny? Which would you consider more versatile for coastal cruising usually with a crew of 2? What are the conditions where one would be preferable to the other?

[captbillc]

my boat is a nimble 30 express sloop. i have 2 asym s in snuffers, one smaller than the other. i have a retractable carbon fiber bowsprit 12' long. the aft end is on a semicircular track that allows the sprit to swing from side to side with the tack through a block on the forward end. the sprit extends about 5' out from the bow. i don't have a whisker pole for the genny, but i think one would help under some wind conditions

[newpbs]

I've flown my asym a little this past summer and it was a blast. I don't remember wanting a wiskerpole, but a bowsprit would be very welcome. A bowsprit would increase the exposure that my asym would have to the wind.

captbillc-Your bowsprit sounds interesting. Is it aftermarket? Any idea where I could obtain a set up like yours?

Paul

[captbillc]

newpbs---- you can see a picture of it in my pictures in sailnet photo gallery. the previous owner who had this boat built in 1994 designed the system and had it installed here in duluth, mn before i started sailing with him in 1988. he sold the boat to me in 2003. i thought he was going to sail with me , but he died 3 weeks later. i have some pictures i can send via email , but close up will have to wait for spring--late april here. the boat is on its trailer along side my garage, covered up . our high temp yesterday was -2 F my email is captbillc@gmail.com

[captainmidnight]

Poled out genoas are great when the wind is up, but genoas are designed to go upwind not down. A modern assym in a snuffer on a GBS by Selden is a pleasure and livens up a lazy afternoon, or club racing.

[chris_gee]

I found an asym was ok on a broad reach, but too close to downwind was a hassle to keep drawing so using a pole made for a greater range in direction and generally better speed as well as ease.

[Melrna]

I just got my asymmetrical sail (A-sail) and I love it. It too is in a ATN sleeve. However to answer your question about a whisker pole, the answer is yes I use both. The variables are many and depends on which type of boat you have and mast set-up.
My boat has a B&R rig and doesn't go dead downwind (DDW) very well. The jib is small and almost worthless. The only way for me to go dead downwind is wing to wing. It is not a good sail plan. If I pole out the jib my options are many and the boat move well. Wind speed plays a big factor here. In light winds, less than 10 knots I have to pole out the jib to sail. In moderate winds (10-15) I have to be careful on helm control to keep the sails from gybing and using the whisker pole helps here a lot. In heavy winds I just use the mainsail.
The asymmetrical sail I haven't poled out yet DDW but was told I could with some limitations on wind angle from the stern. Since I singlehand the boat, I am not going to go there with that set-up. Maybe others with more experience here can. However with the asymmetrical sail in my arsenal, sailing is now a pleasure with the wind aft of the beam. With the ATN sleeve I can sail my boat alone. I set-up my all my lines aft to the cockpit.
Masthead rigs sail much better DDW and the argument for a pole out jib/Genny can be made in light winds. I don't think I would pole out a Genny bigger than 130% especially in winds greater than 13 knots with a crew of two. The only time I pole out my jib is on a long run greater than 45 minutes for the effort it takes to set it up. Maybe if I had someone else on-board that might change the time somewhat.
The bottom line is really your boat and your sailing area. If the winds are predominately out of a direction that would require you going DDW and winds are light most of the time, I would definitely consider a whisker pole. The other consideration is the time it takes to set up the pole and if you need to gybe a lot with a short hand crew. Most people think it is too much effort for all that work. Take out precious time from pure enjoyment of sailing and beer drinking (or your favorite adult beverage).

[captainmidnight]

In very heavy winds try dousing the main and letting the jib pull you along. Much less pressure on the helm. If you have roller furling just roll out as much or as little as you need/want! In heavy conditions with wind and waves behind you a B&R rig main will be driving the bow down and boat will want to spin out, jib on a stick is the way to go!

[sailingdog]

You mean like this:

Originally Posted by captainmidnight

In very heavy winds try dousing the main and letting the jib pull you along. Much less pressure on the helm. If you have roller furling just roll out as much or as little as you need/want! In heavy conditions with wind and waves behind you a B&R rig main will be driving the bow down and boat will want to spin out, jib on a stick is the way to go!

[blt2ski]

A few times with my AS I have poled it out. I have done the tack a few times, works, altho not enough time to say I have it ALL figured out as of yet. I've also poled out the clew a few times, works ok also, but again, not enough time to say it always works.

With a Genoa, yes DDW with the clew poled out works well wing on wing.

I also have a mast head setup.

Also as I am typing this, some of the ACC boats are using AS spins with a pole on the tack to pull it to the opposite side a small amount. They then do not use a symetric near as i can tell as primary sail. I could also be a bit wrong on this too.

marty