I have to agree with James.. we've flown symmetrical spinnakers for decades, and maybe that's a factor, but we've found that with a recently acquired asymm, we only use it on reaches that are likely to be a fetch.
For deeper sailing and, for us, EASE of gybing we go with the symmetrical every time.
I find that gybing the symm is much easier on the sail, as it seems one is always dragging sailcloth around the rig, and often through an inversion to gybe an Asymm. Doing an outside gybe in a breeze is a bit better, but then there's the risk of sailing over the lazy sheet if you're a bit inattentive...
With the two of us, and "Otto" steering a 20 degree (via remote) course change through the gybe I handle the pole while my wife handles the lines from the cockpit.
The only advantage of 'starting' with an asymm would be the reduced cost overall....
__________________ ".. there is much you could do at sea with common sense.. and very little you could do without it.."
Capt G E Ericson (from "The Cruel Sea" by Nicholas Monsarrat)
However, for the OP, its is important to note that not all asyms are alike. Those that will drive on the deepest reach, won't fly on the beam and vice versa.
Yes, ultimately the asym set up is much cheaper, which also works for me. I so rarely feel the need for a spinnaker at all. I haven't even sprung for one this boat yet. Of course, I did price one up and at $6k for the sail alone, I'm still pondering.
However, for the OP, its is important to note that not all asyms are alike. Those that will drive on the deepest reach, won't fly on the beam and vice versa.
Yes, ultimately the asym set up is much cheaper, which also works for me. I so rarely feel the need for a spinnaker at all. I haven't even sprung for one this boat yet. Of course, I did price one up and at $6k for the sail alone, I'm still pondering.
All true.. and on larger boats the cost does get up there in a hurry.
__________________ ".. there is much you could do at sea with common sense.. and very little you could do without it.."
Capt G E Ericson (from "The Cruel Sea" by Nicholas Monsarrat)
So can one raise a symmetrical spinnaker sailing solo? I sail with him some times and will help when I am with him; however, he sails solo as well. I would want to buy him something that he would be able to use solo, if possible.
Yes. I think he likes the gifts I buy him. I'm quite certain I never bought him a tie. A fly tying kit, maybe....
So can one raise a symmetrical spinnaker sailing solo? I sail with him some times and will help when I am with him; however, he sails solo as well. I would want to buy him something that he would be able to use solo, if possible....
Some can, most wouldn't, so it depends on him. It would be more manageable on a 23ft boat, but still a real PITA. If he sails solo now, then an Asym is virtually no different.
So can one raise a symmetrical spinnaker sailing solo?
Yes, I do frequently, and your husband probably will, provided he enjoys challenges (or has three arms):
spinnaker run in Atlantic Ocean off Ocean City, Maryland - YouTube" target="_blank">Pearson 28 "Thoe" on singlehanded spinnaker run in Atlantic Ocean off Ocean City, Maryland - YouTube
spinnaker run in Atlantic Ocean off Ocean City, Maryland - YouTube" target="_blank">Pearson 28 "Thoe" on singlehanded spinnaker run in Atlantic Ocean off Ocean City, Maryland - YouTube
I've flown a chute solo before without an autopilot. It's almost impossible to do on my 25 footer. My boat doesn't track very well (at all) downwind and can get squirrely pretty quick in breeze.
If you think he'll fly it solo, ask the sailmaker about getting a takedown line sewn onto the spinnaker. On small boats with small kites, this makes it very easy to douse.
Still, wouldn't you love to see someone raise/douse/gybe it alone, while another films, especially without an autopilot? It would be like a cliff hanger. Then, lets see a huge puff shifting to a broad reach and it will become like a horror film. Then, as they finally recover, douse it all back into its bag and are left weeping in the cockpit, it would be a chick flick. We have a real winner to appeal to all audiences.
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