Asymmetrical Spinnaker on a Mac25 safe rigging assistance needed

[SteveHughessails]

I was suppose to be practicing anchoring; instead we flew an asymmetrical Spinnaker on our Mac25. The wind was light, very light. We were enjoying sitting and disconnecting but then I had an idea. Let’s hoist the dousing sock with the Jib halyard and see what it looks like. I attached the tack directly to the bow. I removed a very light length of line which was probably used as a tacker. I hoisted the sock and we ran the sheets accordingly. I pulled the line and raised the sock exposing the Spinnaker. It was quite stimulating. The sail filled then proceeded to twist and come down. We changed our point of sail and filled it again but it wasn’t stable. I looked up and witnessed the sail was twisted at the very top a few times. We played for a few minutes then doused it. I want to do it again lol. VERY SOON but, with it rigged better.

I would like to mount a block higher above the forestay on the mast for a Spinnaker halyard. I am unsure of what is best to purchase or how high I should go? I would also like to have a block on the foredeck with the tack line going through it and locked closer to the mast base. When I learn what I’m doing, I would be able to adjust the height of the tack and also allow the tack to come back to the mast for dousing. Again I am unsure of the hardware best to use. I will likely completely over build it all lol.

For convenience Amazon would be where I would order from. I have a length of Samson 10mm line I can use. I have a bail that I could mount on the mast but..... I would imagine there is a fair amount of stress on this setup. Also I’m thinking a clutch mounted on the deck by the mast would be best to lock the tack and another cleat on the mast for the sock lines? Any help, recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I must also ask, I have a very loved crew, what is the safest way to quickly stop flying the Spinnaker? My thought, release the tack? The thought following that, the sheet will come flying whipping if it’s not winched and cleated. Maybe best to release the sheets then tack then safely bring the sock down?

Appreciate any advice. TIA

 

[SteveHughessails]

More reading more research. I have found an add a halyard kit from Blue Water Yachts. It even gives the recommended 18 to 24 inches above the headstay to mount it.

I have also learned best to use a lighter tack line as a heavier line will drag the sail down in light winds. If anyone is doing this I’d love to hear about your setup. I’m guessing if I am way off base someone will chime in. With the end of the season on us I’m very pleased we accomplished this. We will likely get out one or two more times and just use the Jib halyard again and make a simple tacker/tack pennant attached to the bow with a swivel snap shackle.

When we are successful I will post a picture.

 

[SteveHughessails]

No comments is a bummer but some are still reading. Maybe there is interest in my project. I haven’t made it out yet. Not from lack of effort though. New parts arrived, I am impressed with Blue Water Yachts, very quick to ship. I was a bit concerned drilling the mast but it went good. We now have 3 halyards on our vessel.

I do have safety concerns. If I could get a reply or two for confirmation I would sure appreciate it.

When I am ready to set the Spinnaker tack line up properly, is it ok to use a cam cleat or best to use a rope clutch? A cam cleat seems too light but a clutch seems over kill. Perhaps a small winch and cleat is all that’s needed? What do you think is best for my setup? We don’t go out in big wind. We are going to have a short tack line on a swivel snap shackle for now.

In an emergency, when/if I pull the tack line what will happen? In my mind I’m thinking the sail will go forward quite quickly pulling on the sheets? Is it quite dramatic? This is also my concern with locking the tack line and what to use to safely release. I am basing all my thinking on up to 600kg of pull.

Dousing sock lines I am just going to cleat on the mast.

Thanks

 

[dlochner]

When the Asym is flying the is generally on a beam to broad reach, if the sheet is released the sail will blow down wind and off the boat. The sheet shouldn't be an issue if it follows the sail and blows off the boat. Do not put a stopper knot on the sheet! Once the boat settles down, pull the sock down over the sail, once doused retrieve the sheet.

A cam cleat should be fine so long as it is in a place where the line can't be accidentally pulled out of the cleat or become a trip hazard.

600kg of pull seems awfully high. In my younger days I would fly a spinnaker on a J35 with just a wrap or two around a winch. Same with the J24. On the J24 the winch was used more to get the sheet to a better position for the trimmer than for any mechanical advantage.

 

[shemandr]

. ...When I am ready to set the Spinnaker tack line up properly, is it ok to use a cam cleat or best to use a rope clutch? A cam cleat seems too light but a clutch seems over kill. Perhaps a small winch and cleat is all that’s needed? What do you think is best for my setup? We don’t go out in big wind. We are going to have a short tack line on a swivel snap shackle for now.

I'm not keen on using clutches on lines that potentially need to be adjusted quickly. Assuming your tack line is led to the cockpit or cabin top I think a cam cleat would be fine. I'm not sure when we talk about a tack line, we are talking about the same line. I call the line, that attaches to the tack of the asym and adjusts it in or out, the tack line. It isn't a line I would look to adjust in an emergency. It is tightened for closer to the wind sailing and eased for more downwind sailing.
In an overpowered situation I agree with Dave that to depower the asym quickly release the sheet all the way (Meaning that the sail is flogging to leeward - if your sheets are long enough you don't need to lose them). You can gather up the sail like a curtain and douse or lower it. It would have no wind in it.
I'm not such a fan of dousing socks but others on this forum are.