I have an asymetrical spinnaker. It has been suggested that if I want to compete in races I should have a proper symetrical spinnaker. They say that it is faster. Is this true? My rep at Neil Pryde is a great guy and suggested that I keep on using the asymetrical in races and that should be enough. comments...
Asymetrical vs Symetrical Spinnakers
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Akite vs sym chute
I have both. They each have their place. When the apparent wind is between 110 and 80, the akite will out perform the symetrical chute. However, as the leg gets deeper, the symetical chute will perform better. If you sail to government marks the akite will probably work better most of the time. If you're racing windward/leeward courses then the symetrical chute is a must.
I have both. They each have their place. When the apparent wind is between 110 and 80, the akite will out perform the symetrical chute. However, as the leg gets deeper, the symetical chute will perform better. If you sail to government marks the akite will probably work better most of the time. If you're racing windward/leeward courses then the symetrical chute is a must.
Divorce Shute
A few of our marina neighbors refer to the full Spinaker as "the divorce sail" or "the divorce chute"! Take it or leave it for what it is worth!
A few of our marina neighbors refer to the full Spinaker as "the divorce sail" or "the divorce chute"! Take it or leave it for what it is worth!
Poling out the Asymetric
You can get more range from your asymmetric by using a spiniker pole to extend it out to windward, more like a symetric. Probably not enough for serious downwind racing, but you might look at some of the articles on this.
You can get more range from your asymmetric by using a spiniker pole to extend it out to windward, more like a symetric. Probably not enough for serious downwind racing, but you might look at some of the articles on this.
Dead downwind
Even if it's clsoer to the mark, do NOT go dead downwind with the Asymetrical. Run broad and fast and gybe 3 or more times. Keep the boat speed up and steer down in the puffs. Flow over the sail is much better than static pressure. It can compete, especially when you factor in that the asymetrical will typically set and douse without big foul-ups.
Even if it's clsoer to the mark, do NOT go dead downwind with the Asymetrical. Run broad and fast and gybe 3 or more times. Keep the boat speed up and steer down in the puffs. Flow over the sail is much better than static pressure. It can compete, especially when you factor in that the asymetrical will typically set and douse without big foul-ups.
Size Counts
The symetrical chute has significantly more area than the asymetrical which translates to power. However, each has it's place. The asymetrical (as has been mentioned) is good in tighter wind angles, heavier wind, and requires less crew capability. Also, it is useful on short legs where the full size chute would require more time to setup and take down. For longer legs and light winds the symetrical will give that extra bit of speed and at the end of the day those seconds add up and the "penalty" is the same. Also, your "best sail" is a low-drag prop like a feathering prop or a tilt-up outboard.
The symetrical chute has significantly more area than the asymetrical which translates to power. However, each has it's place. The asymetrical (as has been mentioned) is good in tighter wind angles, heavier wind, and requires less crew capability. Also, it is useful on short legs where the full size chute would require more time to setup and take down. For longer legs and light winds the symetrical will give that extra bit of speed and at the end of the day those seconds add up and the "penalty" is the same. Also, your "best sail" is a low-drag prop like a feathering prop or a tilt-up outboard.
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