Spinnakers

[Shaun]

Hi All,

I have a spinnaker onboard, but no spinnaker halyard (so i'll add one, when i overhaul the mast & rigging).
Do others use the spinnaker?, i'm considering taking the spinnaker & pole off, to save space onboard.
The #1 Genoa is massive, do you think i'm better off sticking with that instead of messing around with a spinnaker that i have little experience with & will be sailing short handed most of the time?

cheers
Shaun

[auriga]

Shaun

If you're going to be sailing short handed, then not using the kite is probably the easiest/sensible option. Too easy for things to go pear shaped quickly

If you keep the pole onboard you could always pole out your genoa when running down, though it does take up space and is another item to stub a toe on!

[Shaun]

Dan,
yes, the whisker pole at 2.1m would probably be too small for the big Genoa.
The spinnaker pole could be handy for other things aswell, jury rigging mast, rudder..it doesnt actually take up too much room it tucks snugly against the inside of the staunchions on the foredeck, all 3.5m of it!.

cheers

[Sombrero]

From Sombrero

If you are contemplating getting a spinnacker and you are concerned about the management of it while sailing,ie. things going pearshaped, as they usually do! Give some thought to a jennacker (I always have trouble with the spelling) but no trouble using it. Asymetrical cut, tacks at the forfoot, mine is 3/4 oz flies like a very full genoa, for reaching rather than square running, but can be poled out. They are very popular sail on the modern ocean racers that favour tacking down wind to maximize boat speed rather than wallowing square on the wind or running perilously shy.

"Sombrero"
John Streader

[auriga]

Speaking of spinnakers,

My pole got pinched, has anyone got an idea of the standard length for a mark 3?

Also, where can i get a hand on suitable alloy pipe in sydney?

ta

[petevic]

Hi All,

Spinnakers are tricky and you need at least two crew who know what they are doing. I have been doing some research into the "parasailor". It is a spinnakere with a vent and wing, a bit like a wing glider. Yoyu don't need a pole and it doesn't collapse anywhere as easily as a conventional spinnaker. It can be carried with the wind between 70-180 degrees. It is designed for short handed crew and can easily be flown in winds over 30 knots with no rolling. If this all sounds too good to be true, the only drawback is the cost. It's quite a pricey sail. It got reviewed in a recen PBO magazine, where it got rave reviews.

You can rationalise the cost because 1 sail replaces 3; spinnaker, gennaker, assymetric.

Here's the link http://www.parasailor.com

Worth a look.

BTW, I didn't intend to purchase another top hat for at least 6 months, but this site has really got me going. I'm currently having a very hard lkook at a MK1 and may make a move very soon.

Cheers

Peter Vickerson

[Marinka]

Hi Shaun, was good to see you off Diamond Head. I take it from the discussion that the standard spinnaker pole length is 3.5 metres as I need to get one for Marinka. Could you kindly confirm. thanks Peter

[Dolphin]

G'Day all,
for what its worth, the length of the pole for racing purposes on any boat should be no longer than dimension "J" that is the dimension from the base of the mast to the stem of the boat, or the fairlead if you have one. I made one many a year ago using powder coated aluminium. You could try Capral aluminium at Rockdale, they will sell you uncoated aluminium. Use 6061 (? from memory) marine grade aluminium. The pole ends I used did not close properly and the spinnaker sheets could get into it and prise it open. I think I got the fittings from Whitworths.
I rigged the spinnaker halyard outside the mast using a separate block at the top of the mast and a cleat on the mast. The draw back is that it rattles on the mast when not in use.
Spinnakers are a lot of trouble and not worth the effort especially on your own. I think a poled out No 2 is ideal, put a preventer on the main and sit back and watch the world go bye. (thats "bye" not "by").
If you're using a spinnaker always remember to never put a stopper knot like a figure 8 in the end of any spinnaker sheet or halyard so that in an emergency you can let everything go and retrieve it later.
Greg.

[Shaun]

Hi Peter, it sure was a treat to meet you off Diamond Hd , the only thing i can confirm is my spinnaker pole is 3.5m in length, ive never used it nor the spinnaker itself so dont know if this is the right length?? use Greg's formula above to get the length.
Glad to hear your trip went well, if you get a chance post the details of it in the Top Hat Voyages section of the messege board, i'll do the same when i get a chance.
We'll keep an eye on Marinka here in the Camden Haven for you, that will be easy as she's a fine looking Top Hat, catch up with ya later,
cheers
Shaun

[Marinka]

thanks Shaun, and same re both your Top Hats! I hope to spend some time relaxing on Marinka over Easter so hope to catch up with you then. the J measurement is approx 3200 for Top Hats, and that is probably a fair guide for a pole, but I was hoping to get some actual measurements of what people have rather than the theoretical measurement based on racing rules. as far as posting the journey, I will do that once I make Mooloolaba. This last week was perfect for the journey but lack of crew and work intervened so I can prolong the adventure! She is a great little boat. Congrats on 2nd place when sleep deprived and fatigued! Cheers Peter