Asymmetrical Spinnakers

[Murray Raff]

Does anyone use a gennaker or other asymmetrical spinnaker on their Top Hat? My query is how big (square metres) you think it should be? Too big and it could be used only on very light days, too small and it won't be powerful enough. Does anyone have any ideas? Best wishes, Murray Raff, 'Jeanie' Jervis Bay

[Phillip]

Just getting a sock for my asymmetrical spinnaker . Leech is around 9.5m.

It was made by Rolly Tasker way back around 1969, an original sail on SEAKA I would say!
It's still in excellent condition because its hardly been used, But that's about to change.

I have used mine during a sail from the Hunter Islands to Island Head Creek, QLD, downwind during light winds of around 7 knots.
I did jibe into Island Head Creek to find the with the wind on the beam SEAKA took off putting her gunnels underwater.
I don't use a pole, but fly it with one point at the bow and the other with a sheet.

The trouble was getting it down and eventually I had to let the head go until I could haul it onboard.

Hence the new sock! I've brought the one with a fibreglass collar as the simple circle one tends to jam.

So watch this space for a report later in the year.

[Murray Raff]

Hi Phillip!

I hope that everything is going well for you and Seaka! I read a random mention in an article about short-handed cruising in Queensland (I think/recall) that the author had met you! In any case, thanks for the info. We ended up going with a 40 m2 sail. The sailmaker thought bigger would be OK but, with cruising in mind, we were concerned that we might be able to put it up only on light days, so went for a one a little smaller.

Best wishes
Murray

[Phillip]

Murray,

Probably a good decision, I have what I have and that is what I'll have to use.

I'll work out how big my one is and report back.