ATN dousing sock

[Leif Arneson]

Hello Bill,I am now ready to order a Doyle APC cruising spinnaker for my Hunter 19 (93-96) and I am wondering how important an ATN dousing sock is when used in conjunction with such a small sail. I don’t mind the extra expense, but would like to avoid having any unnecessary equipment on board (no matter how well designed, built or thought out sh_t still happens). I don’t doubt the merits of your product when sailing shorthanded on a larger boat, but on a 19-foot boat, isn’t a dousing sock more hassle than it is worth? Although I may sound a bit skeptical, my mind is far from made up and your advice would be greatly appreciated.Thanks,Leif

 

[Bill Colombo at Doyle Sails]

Small Boat APC's

Leif, You are right in thinking that larger boat spinnakers are more difficult to set and douse than those on smaller boats. An APC on a boat 22 ft or smaller can be used without a sock. It definitely takes a bit more effort and coordination, but because of the smaller area they can be handled by one person. You can always add an ATN sock later if you decide you would rather have the convenience of the sleeve.Bill Colombo, Doyle SF