Assymetric Sheets

[Dean Strong]

When rigging an assymetric/cruising sail with an ATN tacker or Parrel Beads, using a spinnaker halyard exiting the mast above the forestay, why must the sheets be routed in front (outside) of the headstay? Won't the tack downhaul get twisted around the furled headsail when gybing? It seems like the sail would be gybed just like a very large genoa. What don't I get?

 

[Tony]

A-Sail Gybe

Hi When you gybe an a-sail the sail flys outside, in front of headstay, turns completly inside out, therefore the sheets have to be outside of headstay and all shrouds.when you gybe let all sheets go and turn stern though the wind, the sail flys out in front of the boat and is then trimmed in with the opposite sheet. It realy is fun the first time you do it. Or you can chicken out and douse the sail, gybe and then lift the sock again to fly on opposite tack.Tony

 

[Rick Sylvester]

Gotta get your tack attachment point right

Since your halyard exits above (in front) of the forestay you'll need to move your tack attachment point in front of the forestay as well to remain clear of it when you gybe. With this arrangment, yes, you'll fly the chute out front and around to gybe hence the need for the lazy sheet to be led forward. If your tack is aft of the forestay then you'll be chafed on the stay when you gybe.Conversely, if the halyard exit is below (behind) the forestay (as on my H40) then the tack will neeed to be oriented similarly to remain clear when gybing. In this instance however, the chute will gybe through the foretriangle and the lazy sheet will be led accordingly.My experience is that moving the sail through the foretriangle is pretty tricky to keep from getting fouled on the forestay. You have to keep the clew from moving forward while coming across to make it work.Apologies in advance if I've completely confused you.