flying a spinnaker

[Justin_NSA]

I have the original Mac spinnaker in my sail bag. I don't think it has ever been used. Does anyone fly one on the 26C? I want to be able to temporarily attach turning blocks the the stern cleats. Any suggestions? There's a block on the foredeck I can use for a downhaul and I have a pole. I added a halyard above the forestay last year. I think i just need the turning blocks to try it this season.

 

[Robspan]

You might also need to rig a topping lift for the pole. If you have a separate spinnaker halyard, then the jib halyard might do.


The first time you do it, you might want to be sure you have light air, keep the main furled, and have a long downwind stretch. When you furl it, let the halyard down gradually or it'll turn into a trawl net.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

I want to be able to temporarily attach turning blocks the the stern cleats. Any suggestions?

*have not flown the kite on the Mac...

but I think a snatch block on a pendant attached to the middle of the stern cleat(s) would work. (~3" pendant)

also think others use the base of the lifeline stantion as anchors for the 'guy'. again, using a pendant attached to a block.

Queue JohnS ?


-around here, we call the failed take down, 'Shrimp-ing' ....and I have that T-shirt.

 

[flynfol]

Symmetrical? Turning blocks on your cleats should work. Couple more blocks for your pole. I can fly it with a good helmsman, but have not tried it with Otto yet......and that is with a chutescoop......helps prevent "shrimping"....;-) Light wind the first couple of times..........then afterward is up to your excitement level. The main does help shroud the chute when dousing, but again....a good helmsman is better.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Thanks for the pics. it explains what you guys are saying about blocks for the pole. I will definitely try this on a calmer day, they do happen here in Kansas.

Were you "dry sailing" your Mac?

 

[r.oril]

I though of flying one until I heard them called "a bag of terror". They sure look great!

 

[flynfol]

Dry sailing during the annual rigging check...;-) Never seem to have a camera handy on the water. Will get some pics this weekend. Bag of terror?....I suppose everyone has different limits.........

 

[Freedom77]

Spinnakers are the rush. like putting a V-8 in a Volkswagen. I installed pad eye just forward of the foredeck hatch for downhaul. Got snatch blocks for the stern cleats for sheets. Also have reaching strut for close hauls. Keep sheets off of shrouds. Best to start out on a light air day and work out any bugs. Picture is of Freedom at SCYA Midwinters 1977. She is masthead rigged with 525 sq ft of chute. Pegged knotmeter at 12 kt on Newport/Ensenada race. You gonna love it!! Fair Winds and Full Sails...

 

[Freedom77]

Symmetrical? Turning blocks on your cleats should work. Couple more blocks for your pole. I can fly it with a good helmsman, but have not tried it with Otto yet......and that is with a chutescoop......helps prevent "shrimping"....;-) Light wind the first couple of times..........then afterward is up to your excitement level. The main does help shroud the chute when dousing, but again....a good helmsman is better.

Hey Flynfol, looks like you had the same color combo in mind as me. NO accounting for good taste. Fair Winds and Full Sails...

 

[MrBill_FLL]

Pegged knotmeter at 12 kt on Newport/Ensenada race.

12 knts is fast, I don't care what you're on! and in a 25 footer :dance::dance::dance:



-no problems going down the waves? no near wipeouts?

 

[flynfol]

Freedom.......your masthead rig looks so much better than a fractional rigged spinnaker. When I'm flying mine, it reminds me of my dinghy days.....just a little bigger. I didn't think that mast was heavy enough to do that. Those colors just look good.....same colors I used on one of the planes I restored.

 

[Freedom77]

12 knts is fast, I don't care what you're on! and in a 25 footer :dance::dance::dance:



-no problems going down the waves? no near wipeouts?

12 kt was only in spurts and not sustained. We had 12-15kt winds on the stern and big, 8-10ft, following seas. Put two of the crew on the bow and kept the tiller pulled into my chest to keep from rounding up. nearly did a couple of times. White knuckle time. Would time swell to tiller. With planing hull we would literally surf down the front of the swells. Whole boat would vibrate. Kept this up for about four hours.It's good to be skipper. I hogged the tiller the whole time. Whew!! Haven't done anything like it since. Best sailing of my life. Fair Winds and Full Sails....

 

[Freedom77]

Freedom.......your masthead rig looks so much better than a fractional rigged spinnaker. When I'm flying mine, it reminds me of my dinghy days.....just a little bigger. I didn't think that mast was heavy enough to do that. Those colors just look good.....same colors I used on one of the planes I restored.

The standard S-104 extrusion is marginal for masthead. Saw a few conversions dismasted mostly due to spreader failure. Friend put on heavier spreaders and a jackstay. Red,white,blue chute on right side of picture. Worked okay but jackstay got in the way. I ordered S-106 out of the factory. First one rigged this way by MacGregor. It's a whole lot heavier and stiffer but well worth it. Also reinforced all deck hardware with heavy aluminuim backing plates. I've seen cleats ripped out of decks. Also was able to get bigger 150% genoa. Foot is about 12 feet long. Also have 180% drifter for screwy winds on Lake Mead. 0 to 60 in nothin' flat. Fair Winds and Full Sails....