We are gearing up to do a bit of racing this season with a new Beneteau 50. We all seem to have differing ideas on how to best organise the foredeck for the spinnaker, what to do with the baby stay, whether to get a second pole, etc. Does anyone have some experience as to what works best? Look forward to your views, Regards, Mike
- Status
Couple Ideas
The 50 will most likely wind up being in the big boat division with some tough competition. One of the things I'd recommend on the fordeck, that might seem like a little thing, is some small zig-zag line on the lifelines to retain sails on board and keep them from going overboard during spinaker takedowns and jib sail changes. The spinaker downhaul block should be a bit behind the chain locker by a foot and a half or two. How large is your course? In our area we have a fairly small course and the big boats have it pretty rough, rateing wise. The course relative to prevailing winds is also important. On our course the asymetrical spinaker is worthwhile because of the apparent wind angle which is usually forward of abeam, too far forward for a spinaker but aft enough that an asymetrical can be flown. Also, the relatively short course legs support the asymetrical due to the ease of setting and takedowns.
The 50 will most likely wind up being in the big boat division with some tough competition. One of the things I'd recommend on the fordeck, that might seem like a little thing, is some small zig-zag line on the lifelines to retain sails on board and keep them from going overboard during spinaker takedowns and jib sail changes. The spinaker downhaul block should be a bit behind the chain locker by a foot and a half or two. How large is your course? In our area we have a fairly small course and the big boats have it pretty rough, rateing wise. The course relative to prevailing winds is also important. On our course the asymetrical spinaker is worthwhile because of the apparent wind angle which is usually forward of abeam, too far forward for a spinaker but aft enough that an asymetrical can be flown. Also, the relatively short course legs support the asymetrical due to the ease of setting and takedowns.
- Status