Flying a spinnaker single-handed

[NautiG]

Wind,

Thanks for digging up this old thread. I flew my symmetrical spinnaker for only the second time this weekend, and am still trying to figure it out. So far I don't have the confidence to fly it in much more than light winds.

I'll use Jeff's advice to mark the sheets for raising the sail, and to let the guy go and the sail flag for lowering the next time I'm out. Seems pretty obvious, but I hadn't thought of it yet.

What a beautiful weekend on the Chessie! Caught another Rockfish and worked on my jacklines. I'm still not satisfied with my jackline setup. Seems with my big deck that I should be able to set it up so there's no possibility of falling overboard.

Scott
Gemini Catamaran Split Decision

[wind_magic]

I'm looking forward to trying a spinnaker out for the first time, must admit I'm a little anxious about it too. I still have to get the spinnaker pole rigged, etc, so I still have a long ways to go.

[NautiG]

Very funny. I'm happy that I had to buy a spinnaker for the boat and a nice dress for the admiral. I'd hate to think if it were the other way around.

My advice as a spinnaker newbie would be to just throw the damn thing up in some light air. It can be daunting reading all the technical stuff about poles, guys, barber haulers etc. I'm sure those things are necessary, but experience is the best teacher and I'll figure them out as I work with the sail (with a little help from the internet and some books).

Scott
Gemini Catamaran Split Decision
Captain's Blog

[FlyinNOE]

I regularly single hand an asym spinnaker on my 40'. I was using an ATN tacker but after making sure the anchor roller attachments are beefy enough have re-rigged the tack line through a block from the bow. You have to make sure the bow is reinforced properly though! There is more force than you think hauling on that tack line.

This arrangement seems to work really well and reduces the time spent forward sliding the tacker over the furled genoa prior to hoisting the spinnaker.

I have a sock for my spinnaker as well and have found it simple even in 20ish knots to blow the tack and dowse the spinnaker in the mains lea. Light wind allows dowsing without blowing the tack.

I will say I modified the dowsing line to go through a block which is fixed to the foot of the mast prior to hoisting the Spinnaker. This keeps the line from getting fouled when you need it most!

As for jibing the chute I have the safety of the boom brake to assist with the movement of the main and I have yet to have a problem jibing the chute forward of the forestay (I might want to knock on wood).

Brian-