I have a H-380 with the stock jib and the downwind performance is poor. How much will a spinnaker actually increase downwind speed? The other day I was about 160 -170 degrees off 15kts of true wind and only saw about 4.5kts - 5kts of speed... What would could I expect from the Doyle? Thanks S/V CREW REST
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Going down wind
The newer types of Hunter's with their B and R rigs that have spreaders at 27 degrees aft do not go down wind. It appears that 120 to 130 degrees is the most effective--call it board reaching--however, you can keep up or even pass some boats with regular chutes by tacking down wind. I talked to Steve Pettingill (not sure I spelled that correctly) who took 2nd place in the round the world race in Thursday Child, and he told me that these boats are faster off the wind rather than streight down wind. He also told me that these boats are "3" sail boats, meaning you only need 3 sails, the main, the 110 jib and the asymentrical chute. He said putting a 150 on only slows you down. The Doyle chute looks good to me and I plan to put one on this year if I can afford it. Phil (of this web) has made a deal with Doyle and they have lowered their price. I suspect in light to medium airs, this will be an important sail. I suspect over twenty knots, your main will do most of the work.
The newer types of Hunter's with their B and R rigs that have spreaders at 27 degrees aft do not go down wind. It appears that 120 to 130 degrees is the most effective--call it board reaching--however, you can keep up or even pass some boats with regular chutes by tacking down wind. I talked to Steve Pettingill (not sure I spelled that correctly) who took 2nd place in the round the world race in Thursday Child, and he told me that these boats are faster off the wind rather than streight down wind. He also told me that these boats are "3" sail boats, meaning you only need 3 sails, the main, the 110 jib and the asymentrical chute. He said putting a 150 on only slows you down. The Doyle chute looks good to me and I plan to put one on this year if I can afford it. Phil (of this web) has made a deal with Doyle and they have lowered their price. I suspect in light to medium airs, this will be an important sail. I suspect over twenty knots, your main will do most of the work.
Seems slow...
I've got a 340 so take these figures for what they're worth. At 150 degrees in 15 knots of true wind I'd probably be doing 6.5-7 knots. Maybe you're sailing a little too low, 170 degrees might be pushing it a bit. In any case I've found an asymetric spinnaker is good for another knot or so in light air. Generally when the wind gets much over 12 it's time to put the 'chute away before things get too scarry and the crew mutinees... If you do get one I'd highly recommend as dousing sock like ATN makes, very easy to handle.
I've got a 340 so take these figures for what they're worth. At 150 degrees in 15 knots of true wind I'd probably be doing 6.5-7 knots. Maybe you're sailing a little too low, 170 degrees might be pushing it a bit. In any case I've found an asymetric spinnaker is good for another knot or so in light air. Generally when the wind gets much over 12 it's time to put the 'chute away before things get too scarry and the crew mutinees... If you do get one I'd highly recommend as dousing sock like ATN makes, very easy to handle.
What fun!
Les meant broad reaching, board. Go to the Archives and type in "Spinnaker" for a rich trove of comments about the joy of spinnakers.
Les meant broad reaching, board. Go to the Archives and type in "Spinnaker" for a rich trove of comments about the joy of spinnakers.
Prop Type?
Brian - those numbers do appear slow. Question: Are you running a fixed or feathering prop? With those numbers it appears you have a fixed-blade prop. A low-drag prop will increase by nearly a half-knot the boat speed in every direction while under sail, up or down wind. Bang for the buck and ease of use (less work on your part) I'd opt for a featering or folding prop before going with a new sail.
Brian - those numbers do appear slow. Question: Are you running a fixed or feathering prop? With those numbers it appears you have a fixed-blade prop. A low-drag prop will increase by nearly a half-knot the boat speed in every direction while under sail, up or down wind. Bang for the buck and ease of use (less work on your part) I'd opt for a featering or folding prop before going with a new sail.
3 blade fixed
I have 3 blade fixed prop. I have no problem reaching or close hauled. it is just downwind where it really seems weak... Just want to make sure there is a decent gain in performance for the cost. s/v CREW REST
I have 3 blade fixed prop. I have no problem reaching or close hauled. it is just downwind where it really seems weak... Just want to make sure there is a decent gain in performance for the cost. s/v CREW REST
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