running spinnaker when solo?

[sailingdog]

Dave—

Do you use two different headsail roller furling units?

[gershel]

I've been following this discussion for some time now, and I'm starting to think that maybe I'm doing something wrong.
I routinely fly my symetrical spinnaker alone on my 36' catamaran, and have never had any problems. I don't use a pole, And the sail seems to self adjust in slight wind shifts. The autopilot handles everything quite easily. I've used it in 18 knots true, for several hours heading down Delaware Bay last summer, and it was just pleasant cruising.
But after reading all of the posts, I'm wondering if my spinnaker is under-sized for my boat. Maybe that's why I'm not experiencing the same problems. I also don't have exceptional speed when flying it. I don't use the main when the spinnaker is up and I'm alone.
How can I tell if the sail is undersized?
Marc

[sailingdog]

Flying a spinnaker on a catamaran or other multihull is generally a bit simpler than flying it on a monohull with a pole. Also, multihulls are far less likely to broach under a mis-handled spinnaker than a monohull...making them far safer to short-hand a spinnaker.

[Valiente]

Flying an undersized spinnaker defeats the purpose somewhat, but I suppose it does have the advantage of providing some ease of handling and a different sheeting angle that might favour a shifting wind situation.

I have an assymetrical chute that I use on a downhaul tack pennant. I have yet to try it on the new boat (considerably larger, but very close in mast height, so you can see why I would want to "recycle" a virtually new chute). I will post results in the spring.

[Faster]

Originally Posted by wumhenry

How do you rig an asymm? Do you tie the tack to the bow pulpit rail?

Definitely not! The pulpit is not built nor meant to take those kinds of loads. As SD mentions, usually a sleeve around a furled headsail, or the headstay, is attached to an adjustable downhaul pennant.

[sailingdog]

Not unless you're in the mood to repair the foredeck and replace the pulpit.

Originally Posted by wumhenry

How do you rig an asymm? Do you tie the tack to the bow pulpit rail?

[Valiente]

The only things I attach to the pulpit are those SS rings that are lashed on to which I clip my genoa halyards with a snap shackle...

[mikehoyt]

I have flown my spinnaker on Full Tilt 2 (Niagara 26) solo on two occasions. In both cases I was relatively insane to do it but it went well enough ... sort of.

First time. Was bringing my boat 34 NM from Pictou NS to Barrachois Harbour. Reasonably close to shore and very little breeze. Used the tiller tamer to hold the tiller reasonably stable and went up to the foredeck to set everything. Had to come back at least once to reset the tiller.

On launch I fouled something and one clew ended somehow under the bow. Not good. Got it all sorted out and flying and all was well.

Second time was actually the last sail of the 2007 season and the last sail I will ever have on that boat as it is now sold. Was lightish breeze 6-10 knots and directly behind. Same drill with tiller tamer, etc... and just the main up. Launch went well and chute flew about the best it ever has even with a crew for DDW. Then turned to port and sailed about 1 mile with a bit of a reach. Apparent wind had risen to about 15 knots and it was a rush. Douse also went well and this was one of the most enjoyable sails I ever had.


BUT ... although I was wearing a floater coat both times and water was warm - there was no one on the helm to come get me if something went wrong. Could easily have been very bad in both cases. Esp the last as that was haulout day and I was just about the only boat left in the water at our club - again "who would come get me"?

The good news is that on a fractional rigged 26 foot boat the sq. footage of the spin is relatively manageable.

The bad news is that there is a considerable difference between single handing because the other crew is not experienced and single handing because you are solo.

I know that a lot of single handed sailors do this all the time - but they are set up for it. In my case was downright stupid - but rewarding. A better plan should be in place for next time as I will undoubtedly be stupid enough to do it again someday on the J27.

Mike

J27 #150
Nut Case

[CharlieCobra]

I intend to fly mine solo on Oh Joy once I have a tillerpilot.

[Faster]

Originally Posted by CharlieCobra

I intend to fly mine solo on Oh Joy once I have a tillerpilot.

... but do you plan to do so in 50+ knots?

Sorry, Charlie, couldn't resist!