Our team (consortiun)is looking to buy a used C&C 99 or a Beneteau 36.7. These boats come with traditional spinnakers, poles and all that gear. One of our members saw a roller furling item for an asymetric cruising spinnaker. She said that it might be a great idea for short handed races. The furler looked to used for short handed crews for races when there are fewer hands on board to ignite the asymetric. What do you all think? Another question...can an asymetric cruising spinnaker be a weapon for racing? My personal opinion is...no. Thank you.
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It COULD be very good if...
... the conditions are right. Right wind range, right wind angle, course leg length is long enough to make it worthwhile launching, etc. An asymetrical is just one more tool in that tool box to get that little bit extra drive. Generally speaking, flying sails give more than they take away in PHRF penalty so if the conditions are there then you're ahead. Not knowing anything about the kind of races you plan to be in (say, the same old local races where the courses are pretty well established or going to all the regattas with numerous courses), how often the boat will be seriously shorthanded (if you're just starting and don't have a top race record this will probably be more often the case), it's hard to make recommendations. The first thing, though is to have a CLEAN and SMOOTH bottom. Next, for the money, the first piece of equipment I'd recommend puting on is a low-drag prop, like a Max-Prop for example. This you can use ALL the time, on EVERY course, will give more speed and velocity made good, and will help the boat track with less leeway. As for the subject asymetrical recommendation it would depend on (1) how it fits into the sail inventory (yet to be established I guess), (2) how good the quality is (not blown out, proper cut and draft for the intended purpose), and (3) how good the price is (if really good and criteria (1) and (2) have been met). Otherwise, if not, I'd put it lower down on the priority list. I'd be curious about the other opinions you get.
... the conditions are right. Right wind range, right wind angle, course leg length is long enough to make it worthwhile launching, etc. An asymetrical is just one more tool in that tool box to get that little bit extra drive. Generally speaking, flying sails give more than they take away in PHRF penalty so if the conditions are there then you're ahead. Not knowing anything about the kind of races you plan to be in (say, the same old local races where the courses are pretty well established or going to all the regattas with numerous courses), how often the boat will be seriously shorthanded (if you're just starting and don't have a top race record this will probably be more often the case), it's hard to make recommendations. The first thing, though is to have a CLEAN and SMOOTH bottom. Next, for the money, the first piece of equipment I'd recommend puting on is a low-drag prop, like a Max-Prop for example. This you can use ALL the time, on EVERY course, will give more speed and velocity made good, and will help the boat track with less leeway. As for the subject asymetrical recommendation it would depend on (1) how it fits into the sail inventory (yet to be established I guess), (2) how good the quality is (not blown out, proper cut and draft for the intended purpose), and (3) how good the price is (if really good and criteria (1) and (2) have been met). Otherwise, if not, I'd put it lower down on the priority list. I'd be curious about the other opinions you get.
Have to agree with John
In general, on a windward/leeward course, an Akite has almost no chance of beating a symetrical. However, under the right conditions, it can be very effective. As to a furler. Big problem besides the windage is the fact that you cannot adjust the depth of the leading edge as you need to dependent on AWA. If you sail short handed, I would opt for a sock.
In general, on a windward/leeward course, an Akite has almost no chance of beating a symetrical. However, under the right conditions, it can be very effective. As to a furler. Big problem besides the windage is the fact that you cannot adjust the depth of the leading edge as you need to dependent on AWA. If you sail short handed, I would opt for a sock.
One Design Racing
Both of those boats race one-design so you can't have an equipment advantage. In my end of January stupor, I logged onto www.T2P.tv and watched Key West Race Week. Both of those boats participated. It was truly amazing what those crews did with their boats in 15-25 knots. Yup...masthead spinnakers flying and wicked fast. But someone needs to fix Tucker Thompson's hair. Mark
Both of those boats race one-design so you can't have an equipment advantage. In my end of January stupor, I logged onto www.T2P.tv and watched Key West Race Week. Both of those boats participated. It was truly amazing what those crews did with their boats in 15-25 knots. Yup...masthead spinnakers flying and wicked fast. But someone needs to fix Tucker Thompson's hair. Mark
one design regs....
if you're planning on racing one design, there are STRICT regs regarding the sails including an asyetrical kites. If you are phrf racing (beer can races) and want to fly an assymetrical why not look into a used J Boat with a sprit??? OR...wait a year or so and pick up the new Beneteau First 10R which will have an articulating sprit. I race on a J105 and as the other posts mention, there are some moments when I wish I had a traditional symetrical kite over the one on our boat (in phrf fleet, we get smoked windward/leeward with strong current) against symetrical kite boats....HOWEVER NOBODY can touch us on a reaching leg or when there is lots of room to heat the angle up after a gybe. my $.02
if you're planning on racing one design, there are STRICT regs regarding the sails including an asyetrical kites. If you are phrf racing (beer can races) and want to fly an assymetrical why not look into a used J Boat with a sprit??? OR...wait a year or so and pick up the new Beneteau First 10R which will have an articulating sprit. I race on a J105 and as the other posts mention, there are some moments when I wish I had a traditional symetrical kite over the one on our boat (in phrf fleet, we get smoked windward/leeward with strong current) against symetrical kite boats....HOWEVER NOBODY can touch us on a reaching leg or when there is lots of room to heat the angle up after a gybe. my $.02
Mike
I put a custom sprit on my boat. It matches the specs for the 105. I now can use the Akite when it works best or the traditional symetric. We sailed into a fleet of 105's during the NOOD's and crushed them. First time I got to race 105's in close quarters, it was a hoot.
I put a custom sprit on my boat. It matches the specs for the 105. I now can use the Akite when it works best or the traditional symetric. We sailed into a fleet of 105's during the NOOD's and crushed them. First time I got to race 105's in close quarters, it was a hoot.
ain't no lie.....
"First time I got to race 105's in close quarters, it was a hoot." One design 105 races are awsome............phrf races are a crap shoot (usually)
"First time I got to race 105's in close quarters, it was a hoot." One design 105 races are awsome............phrf races are a crap shoot (usually)
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