In looking at available used Asymetrical Spinnakers, I find they are typically listed by two luff dimensions and a foot dimension. Nothing on the Hunter Owners price quote (Doyle Sails) indicates the dimensions, as it appears to compute from the Boat's dimensions (in my case a Hunter 28.5 with an "I" of 37.33' and "J" of 12.08'). I also tried to find applicable regulations in a PHRF website which defines "Unpenalized Luff (ALU) shall be no greater than 1.1 times nor less than 1.0 times the square root of (Ia2+(J*(SPL%/100))2)". Also defining "Unpenalized foot (AF) shall be no greater than (J*(SPL%/100)1.8)." I'm totally lost in the SPL % and multiple (( )) and just want to get an Asymetrical size recommendation that I can use to price used sails.
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Alan
Re: Akite formula
The luff dimension of the Akite is always longer than the leech. If you look on the back of your phrf cert you will see the definitions of the different measurements. SPL is your spinn pole length which is usually equal to your J dimension. For example: a pole that is 12.1' and a J of 12.1' means that your SPL= 12.1/12.1 x 100, which equals 100%. So, your AF=(12.1*(100/100)1.8 which equals 21.8'. Therefore the max foot for your akite without penalty is 21.8'.
The luff dimension of the Akite is always longer than the leech. If you look on the back of your phrf cert you will see the definitions of the different measurements. SPL is your spinn pole length which is usually equal to your J dimension. For example: a pole that is 12.1' and a J of 12.1' means that your SPL= 12.1/12.1 x 100, which equals 100%. So, your AF=(12.1*(100/100)1.8 which equals 21.8'. Therefore the max foot for your akite without penalty is 21.8'.
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Alan
Re: racing asyms
From DDW to about 110degrees apparent the symmetrical spinnaker will usually be faster but as the apparent wind moves forward from 110 to about 80 the asym is more efficient. Most racing however is windward leeward, which means that the akite has very little chance of winning. They have just finished building a sled for racing that doesn't carry a spinnaker because the apparent wind is ALWAYS forward no matter what point of sail the boats heading is.
From DDW to about 110degrees apparent the symmetrical spinnaker will usually be faster but as the apparent wind moves forward from 110 to about 80 the asym is more efficient. Most racing however is windward leeward, which means that the akite has very little chance of winning. They have just finished building a sled for racing that doesn't carry a spinnaker because the apparent wind is ALWAYS forward no matter what point of sail the boats heading is.
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S. Sauer
Asymetrical with Spinnaker pole
Alan, I've seen your posts here on a lot of racing issues as well as the performance of you own boat and value your input. I've been racing successfully in non-spinnaker divisions and am realy looking at an asymetrical with a snuffer to improve light air down wind cruising, while keeping within the racing size restrictions, should I want to switch over in the future when I may have more crew. What effect would a standard length spinnaker pole, or ever an oversize adjustable pole have on your assessment of the akite wing and wing at say 160 degrees?
Alan, I've seen your posts here on a lot of racing issues as well as the performance of you own boat and value your input. I've been racing successfully in non-spinnaker divisions and am realy looking at an asymetrical with a snuffer to improve light air down wind cruising, while keeping within the racing size restrictions, should I want to switch over in the future when I may have more crew. What effect would a standard length spinnaker pole, or ever an oversize adjustable pole have on your assessment of the akite wing and wing at say 160 degrees?
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Del Wiese
my experience
I am on the east central coast of Florida. The local PHRF committee assigns 9 sec/mi for my asmymetrical, versus 12 sec/mi for a symetrical. I have a pole and use it when the wind moves aft the beam and it is not advantageous to jib downwind, with the wind always 90 degrees apparent. We have flown the asymetrical with the pole both at the tack and the clew, seems to fly ok either way.
I am on the east central coast of Florida. The local PHRF committee assigns 9 sec/mi for my asmymetrical, versus 12 sec/mi for a symetrical. I have a pole and use it when the wind moves aft the beam and it is not advantageous to jib downwind, with the wind always 90 degrees apparent. We have flown the asymetrical with the pole both at the tack and the clew, seems to fly ok either way.
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Alan
Re: Akite w/pole
Flying an akite wing on wing works very well. You do not have to worry about the main's windshadow. You can sail slightly (5* to 8*) by the lee and go without a pole and keep the kite flying. Reaching up on the other side will need a pole. A spinnaker pole is non-adjustable. A whisker pole can be adjustable. If you are planning to race spinnaker in the future you will need a spin pole. It USUALLY does not pay to have a penalty pole. A penalty pole is one that is longer than your J. An adjustable whisker pole is very handy for both the akite and wing on wing racing nonspin. We have both on our boat and they both get plenty of use.
Flying an akite wing on wing works very well. You do not have to worry about the main's windshadow. You can sail slightly (5* to 8*) by the lee and go without a pole and keep the kite flying. Reaching up on the other side will need a pole. A spinnaker pole is non-adjustable. A whisker pole can be adjustable. If you are planning to race spinnaker in the future you will need a spin pole. It USUALLY does not pay to have a penalty pole. A penalty pole is one that is longer than your J. An adjustable whisker pole is very handy for both the akite and wing on wing racing nonspin. We have both on our boat and they both get plenty of use.
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S. Sauer
Akite vs Spinnaker Info
Thanks for all the input. Wouldn't it be great if the sailing mags spent more time on this type of comparison and less time on one-off grand prix 80' racers. I'm about ready to return my subscription to Sailing World unless they remember there are far more of us sailing around in 10 and 20 year old production racer/cruisers and far more novices are likely to enter this sport from the inexpensive end as from the millionaire / professional sailing side.
Thanks for all the input. Wouldn't it be great if the sailing mags spent more time on this type of comparison and less time on one-off grand prix 80' racers. I'm about ready to return my subscription to Sailing World unless they remember there are far more of us sailing around in 10 and 20 year old production racer/cruisers and far more novices are likely to enter this sport from the inexpensive end as from the millionaire / professional sailing side.
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Alan
AMEN to that SS *box
It's great to read about the big sleds and the Grand Prix winners, but most of us will never get there. Just not enough stuff on our level of racing
It's great to read about the big sleds and the Grand Prix winners, but most of us will never get there. Just not enough stuff on our level of racing
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Mark Burrows
Sailing World rebuffed
There is a web site called sailinganarchy.com that posts a lot of racing news. Yesterday, there was an article alleging to have overheard the head of US Sailing saying she wanted to drop Sailing World from the membership package for being to elitist. Its under the heading of Rumors and Lies. Markdb
There is a web site called sailinganarchy.com that posts a lot of racing news. Yesterday, there was an article alleging to have overheard the head of US Sailing saying she wanted to drop Sailing World from the membership package for being to elitist. Its under the heading of Rumors and Lies. Markdb
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Capt'n Bob
Sailing World on the outs
I received a letter from US Sailing that states that they have in fact dropped their association with Sailing World. SW surly got a lot of milage from the USS authors/info etc. I guess the question to ask is - now what? US Sailing needs a way to talk to their sailing community. Any ideas as to how US Sailing plans on doing this - ie communicate with its members ?? R
I received a letter from US Sailing that states that they have in fact dropped their association with Sailing World. SW surly got a lot of milage from the USS authors/info etc. I guess the question to ask is - now what? US Sailing needs a way to talk to their sailing community. Any ideas as to how US Sailing plans on doing this - ie communicate with its members ?? R
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Alan
Sure!!
Look at us . We're communicating on this site. Why not have a USSailing website with a forum like this so that any member can post any subject at any time and get instant feedback. This would also allow USSailing to pole its membership on any question and get its answers from the group. wadaya think.
Look at us . We're communicating on this site. Why not have a USSailing website with a forum like this so that any member can post any subject at any time and get instant feedback. This would also allow USSailing to pole its membership on any question and get its answers from the group. wadaya think.
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