Dip pole gybe (?)

[Dale I]

Being new to using a spinaker... I have learned that around 30-32'there is a break away from the end-to-end spin pole gybe in lieu of the dip pole configuration. What I found in the archives had to do with keeping the sock-dousing lines from getting crossed up, which IS relevant to my set-up but does not answer some questions. The 'cncphotoalbum.com' site had a very detailed explanation and diagrams of the usage but it seems that I'll have to have an army of crew to accomplish the task... 1) How much crew does it really take to do a dip pole gybe? Would I be farther ahead to scrap my workable set up in lieu of a gennaker for short-handed sailing? Is performance comparable with a gennaker to the conventional spin rig? Comments are appreciated.

 

[Alan]

No, not the same

As I read your post I realize that you are talking about 2 different spinnakers, an akite and a symmetrical kite. There are points of sail where their use can overlap, but for the most part a symmetrical kite is used for sailing deeper. As the apparent moves to 100 degrees the akite becomes more effective. In either case the akite is typically not flown from a pole. Jibing, either dip-pole or end-for-end is something you do with a symmetrical.

 

[Frank Ladd]

Join the Rudder Club

Dale as you are in Jax, I'd recommend joining the rudder club so you can sail with other sailors who really know their stuff. If you are racing then you'll likely need a symetrical and an assymetrical spinnaker. If you are just cruising and daysailing I'd just get the assymetrical spinnaker. As far as the pole goes I think the dip pole method with the long track on the mast to raise the mast end of the pole really reduces the power needed on the fordeck to gybe the sail. So if I was racing short handed on a boat that had a heavy pole I'd go with that method. Generally it the dip pole method I've seen will reduce the foredeck crew from two to one.

 

[Dale I]

Thanks.

I have been a member of the Rudder Club and crewed off and on since '98.... Its a really good place to get into sailing, however most of the boats are in the 30'-or-less range and I have never witnessed anyone here doing the dip pole gybe. I'll seek out the only large boat guru that I know and go from there....Thanks

 

[Alan]

Frank,

I don't agree with the idea that dip-pole requires less crew on deck. On the contrary, as the pole tip goes through, someone needs to be at the bow to clip in the new guy as the pole transfers. This means a mast man and bow man on deck at the same time, very slow!! On an end for end, the pole lift carries the weight of the pole and the mast man simply makes the transfer. (one man on deck)

 

[Ric]

Racing

I am the Pitman on a J44 that races. We use a symetrical and dip. There are two to three in the pit to run gyes, main, Genny, spin sheets and two to three on the deck to run the pole, clip the gye and run the halyard. I don't know why someone thinks dipping requires less crew. We sail with a skipper/helmsman, tactician 2-3 pit crew and 2-3 deck crew for a total of 6 - 8 on this performance boat. I can tell you that under sizing your crew when flying your Kite could damage the kite, the boat or a crewman. The forces can be terriffic. Thats why we fly the big kite, speed.