Asymmetric kite

[storm petrel]

Finally got the new asymmetric up. It was blowing about 10-12 knots NW, when I bent it on as we rounded Box Head. We had a lovely run SE until we passed Barrenjoey and decided it was time to bring the kite down and head back home. It is a big sail and The luff runs from the mast head to a couple of feet above the anchor roller. I think it would be a handful over15 knots, but it was great at 10-12 knots, pulling us at about 5 knots. I just fixed the tack line and adjusted the halyard to trim the luff and then simply used the sheet to keep the luff at the edge of curling. I am looking forward to a decent coastal hop with it. Thanks for the set up tips guys.

Cheers,
Mark
Storm Petrel

[curlytops]

Hi there

I realise your posts are a few years old so I thought I'd ask you how you find your kite now? I've been wanting one for a couple of years and would prefer to opt for an assy over symmetric.

Based on what I"ve read, he i-sails pre-cut kite seems to do the job okay in light airs. I don't have a huge budget so this would be attractive to me. Can you add any further comments? Mark you mention that it's a big sail....what would you suggest or go for if you were buying again?

cheers

Curly

[storm petrel]

I have used the asymmetric kite and the isails turtle bag quite a bit. The size is fine and easy to handle provided you have crew. The I-sail kite is lite but I have found it fine up to about 15 knots. The little rudder on the Top Hat and my slowing reflexes have trouble keeping control beyond that, particularly in a seaway. I have had some great runs at sea with the kite. From Lake Maquarie to Brisbane waters and from Brisbane waters to the Heads with the kite up all the way. With a clean hull it will pull the boat along at 6-7 knots in about 13 knots of breeze. The only problem I have found is that my aging crew have trouble bringing it in quick enough to stop the kite getting wet, though this is partly because my spinnaker halyard is at present controlled from the base of the mast (I have been planning to bring it back to the cockpit but have not got round to it as yet).

I also have a heavy duty symmetric kite that I used to use quite regularly but have not used it since I got the asymmetric because the new kite is so much easier to use. Once it gets to 15 knots or a little more I find my No2 will pull the boat up to hull speed so I do not worry about hoisting a kite.

I hope to be at the raft up on the 17th if you want to see the kite.

Cheers,
Mark

[rob.lovelace]

I keep getting told I need a bowspirt to fly an A sym, but reading this it is not the case yes???

[storm petrel]

Google 'you tube top hat storm petrel' will show you how the assymetric flies in light airs. We have felt no need for a bow sprit.

[curlytops]

Hi Mark

That's great .. you've confirmed that the #2 will do the job. I normally have at least one crew member on board. I can rig my spi halyard to the cockpit aswell so that's all good.

Yes i'm hoping to put an appearance in at the weekend - will monitor channel 16.

Curly

[curlytops]

Sorry - one more question...what length are your sheets from memory?

Cheers

[storm petrel]

I jibe the kite by running the kite in front of the forstay so the both sheets need to be long enough to do this. My spin sheets also return to the winch from a turning block on the aft quarter so I think they would be about 14 metres. The sail makers recommend about twice the boat length.