Asymmetrical Spin Sheets?

Cruiser2B · #1 (**permalink**) 07-01-2011

I have finally gotten the Asymmetrical spinaker for my Alberg 30. It is a cruising type that I plan to only use in light air. The boat is completely rigged for it other than buying the sheets. I have replaced most all other rigging on boat with Sta-Set 3/8. I am wondering what to but for this sail? I am thinking maybe some hi strength 5/16 to keep it light, but would like to use 3/8 if i could get away with for ease of handling and back up to my jib/ genoa sheets. Thanks SN.

Jason

JL · #2 (**permalink**) 07-01-2011

There are several different options, but maybe not a one size fits all solution. I have 3/8" StaSet with shackles for my primary sheets and also a very light set of 5/16" polypropylene/spectra sheets that I tie on when it is really light. The problem with the polypropylene sheets is that they will not handle friction on a drum well over the long term even though they would be strong enough for any winds I would fly the chute in. The good thing is that they are very light and do not absorb water so they let the chute fly in even the lightest wind. You could try compromising with a MaxiBraid Plus in 5/16", but you won't have a true light air sheet and your hands may not like you when there is a little more wind.

Cruiser2B · #3 (**permalink**) 07-01-2011

thank you for the input.

svHyLyte · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-2011

I use 5/16" Spectra with the cover stripped off except where the line will pass through a block and/or around a winch. You might also do the same with Stay-set without difficulty since your boat/sail is rather smaller than ours.

FWIW...

SVAuspicious · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-2011

I am a bit of a safety-Nazi so bear that in mind. I like having light air sheets but worry that someone having trouble getting a grip on small diameter line may not be able to restrain themselves from taking a wrap around their hand.

My approach is a 25 ft (ish) light air pendant from the spinnaker clew to the shackle of my regular sheet. Gets a lot of weight off the sail and leaves a nice 10mm sheet (a bit bigger than 3/8") with good hand in the cockpit. YMMV. This works for me.

Cruiser2B · #6 (**permalink**) 07-02-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVAuspicious

I am a bit of a safety-Nazi so bear that in mind. I like having light air sheets but worry that someone having trouble getting a grip on small diameter line may not be able to restrain themselves from taking a wrap around their hand.

My approach is a 25 ft (ish) light air pendant from the spinnaker clew to the shackle of my regular sheet. Gets a lot of weight off the sail and leaves a nice 10mm sheet (a bit bigger than 3/8") with good hand in the cockpit. YMMV. This works for me.

thanks, I am a bit frugal and a tend to be a bit cautious as well. i wents a head and bought some 3/8". According to the web there was only a small weight difference from 5/16. although i bet its a bit more when wet. I will see how it works out. I wanted these sheets to have other uses in case of an emergency as i will cruise this fall with her.

Thanks everyone. I will post a pick of the sail if i can get her to fly this evening!

BubbleheadMd · #7 (**permalink**) 07-02-2011

You're on the southern end of the Chesapeake Bay. If you get a little more breeze than the rest of us north of you, then 3/8ths is good. I went with 5/16ths but I always wear gloves so no worries about comfort or handling. My chute isn't overly huge either so a little less power.

Cruiser2B · #8 (**permalink**) 07-03-2011

Well here it is! what a handful. I am sure it was just because it is new to me. This sail sure did help in light air. I did have a few problem keeping it full but i think that was because the wind was very light and variable almost the whole time. I do think I will get a sock.. when i took it down the wind was starting to come up(about 8kts) and it was a bit challanging but i did it. I dont think the 3/8 line is going to be too much of a problem. We had a nice sunset tonight to top it off! Overall, I am very happy with the investment Thanks SN

WDS123 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-03-2011

Get a sock, it makes life easy

JL · #10 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

I use 5/16" Spectra with the cover stripped off except where the line will pass through a block and/or around a winch. You might also do the same with Stay-set without difficulty since your boat/sail is rather smaller than ours.

FWIW...

I wouldn't strip StaSet since the core and cover share the load, as is the case with most polyester lines. It's my understanding that you should only strip core dependent lines, that is, lines where the core carries the load. Those are usually lines with high-tech cores and poly covers.