Asym Racing

[Robert Dean]

Is anybody racing with an asymetrical spinnakerin the spin class ?? RD

 

[Alan]

Sym's vs Asym's

Basically the choice between an asymetrical and a symetrical kite comes down to the angle of the apparent wind. If the wind angle is forward of 110 then an asymetrical is the better sail. As you run deeper the symetrical becomes the better sail. With wind aft of 130 the main can block the flow to the akite and it gets tricky to keep flying. Each spinnaker has its place dependant on the wind and of course the quality of your crew.

 

[Del Wiese]

use pole with asymetrical

I have an asymetrical and have used it with a pole, both to the clew and to the tack. Seems to work fine either way. Still trying to figure a way to validate that gybing downwind with the asymetrical (with the tack at the bow) is faster than using a pole. I know it works for hot boats like the Melges 24s, not sure it works for my Legend 37.

 

[Alan]

gybing

There are 2 ways of gybing the akite. One is to sheet between the forestay and the sail. The other is to sheet outside the sail. Sheeting inside is faster, but leaves more room to mess up. Akites are very effective from a broad reach to close reaching. In extremely light air (1 to 3 kts) the akite will outpoint a genoa. I've carried mine in these conditions at 30 degrees apparent. The Melges 24 is a planing hull. First the boat will reach up to gain speed. As it does the apparent wind goes forward, then they foot off and continue to accelerate moving the apparent wind even more forward, in so doing you can reach speeds well over 20 kts. Its VERY exciting but you have to stay sharp because you can also wipeout at those speeds.