A question for the "kite flyers"

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Mar 2, 2006
11
Beneteau First 33.7 Gosford, Australia
I'm interested to hear from those of you that fly spinnakers ....... do you prefer the straight forward and simple system using a single sheet and guy (we call it a "brace" in oz), or do you use the twin set-up incorporating an additional "lazy" sheet and guy? We're in the process of fitting a kite to our Bene 33.7 and I'll probably try both options to see which is preferred by the crew, but am also interested in what the sailors on this forum have to say about their experiences. Apparently, as a rule of thumb, 30' is meant to be the size where boats convert from the single to the double system and generally the double system is recommended for offshore passages ..... or so I've been told ........
 
B

Bill

Singles...

I'd think on a 33.7 that single sheet/guy would be enough. If you're doing the offshore stuff, I can see wanting lazy sheets/guys but not for inshore or coastal stuff. Make sure you have a carbon pole, get your trimmers to ease a little extra sheet/guy/downhaul, and keep the boat deep during the gybe until the pole is made on the mast. Just my thoughts;) B
 
May 6, 2004
916
Hunter 37C Seattle
I have single line set up

on my 37, w/a 17 foot pole length. I follow Bill's method. I only have jib sheet winches, and its my understanding that you need twin sets of winches for the double line system. I have to do end for end pole changes for the jibe, since I have in inner forestay on my cutter.
 

Joe

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Jun 1, 2004
8,311
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
The crew will prefer the 2 line system

On a boat larger than 30 feet it is much easier and safer to jibe with dedicated guys and sheets, whether you use the dip pole method, or the end for end method. The biggest advantage is the crew can handle the lazy guy without interfering with the sheet. That allows him to clip the new guy in as the pole end passes through the foretriangle on the dip pole method. Otherwise, the crew would have to mess with a loaded sheet while the chute is flying free. I think it would be dangerous to use the single line method on a dip pole jibe. On an end for end jibe the new guy can be taken to the mast and clipped in immediately after the trip and the new pole end attached without any competing pressure from the sheet. Another advantage is that you can leave the guy's car in it's most desireable position so you don't have to keep readjusting the tweaker (twing).
 
Dec 2, 2003
4,245
- - Seabeck WA
Yep dip pole, two lines on each clew

Boat H34. Tri-radial Sobstad with sock. Hard to mess up.
 
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