asymetrical vs symetrical

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Del Wiese

I have an 89 Legend 37 with a Doyle asymetrical spinnaker. I recently raced the Lauderdale to Key West race, 160 nm. Did very well on a close reach for the first 2.5 hours but when the course/wind shifted a bit and we all popped up spinnakers, the symetrical spinnakers boats disappeared over the horizon. I was the only bost with asymetrical spinnaker. And the point of sail, on the beam or forward of the beam, should have been ideal for the asymetrical. I am taking delivery of a new symetrical spinnaker this Friday. Will relegate the asymetrical to cruising, it has a sock, which is great for easy setting/retrieving.
 
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Alan

Racing w/ akite

I've raced with both my akite and symetrical spinnakers. Choosing the right one is based on wind speed, direction, sea state. Also, getting the most out of your akite means adjusting sheet, twings, tack line and halyard. In '02 we raced the ALIR. A 190 mile race around Long Island. On the down wind leg (100 miles) we started with a .5oz symetrical chute and then switched to our akite as the apparent moved abeam. We rolled 5 boats in our class and took line honors although we were the slowest rated boat in the class.
 
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Cliff Ruckstuhl

Agree with Alan

Sea state and true wind direction are the Key. Also sail size is key ther is a pretty big difference in sail area from a Asy Sail to a Sym sail. On our 28.5 we go from 811 Sq FT for a Sym Sail to 663 sq ft with a Asy Sail a difference of 148 sq ft. This is from a Sym to a crusing Asy or a UK Flasher. On the 37 I would assume this difference would be even greater. If the Doyle sail was made to the max amounts or was made as a true Racing Asy sail it would have more sail area but if it was made as a crusing spinnaker then it would more then likly be on the smaller side. Not made to the max amounts. This alone would be the reason, you would need to check with the sailmaker to see what measuremeants it was made to. All A sail's are not the same. Alan is at the top of his game and I am sure needs a seperate room just to display all the silver he has won. CLiff H 28.5 "Red Dog"
 
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