Downwind racing

[Shep Zedaker]

I need more speed down wind! I have a 150 which we could pole out, but most other boats we are racing against have spinnakers. Should I get a semmetrical or a reaching spinnaker? Does a 1993 H27 (wing keel) do better downwind by broad reaching or by running? I can't pull up a board like many of my competitors. What is the best weight of sail cloth for mostly light winds (>10 kts). Should the spinnaker be rigged at the mast head or at the same place as the jib (7/8?). Thanks. shep

 

[Michael Cohn]

Hi Shep

You are probably going to want a 1/2 or at most 3/4 oz tri-radial spinnaker (symmetrical). If the wind is persistently under 10 knots, go with the 1/2 oz.For best performance downwind, you are going to need to gybe repeatedly rather than sailing dead downwind. DDW is both slow and also dangerous.I personally think masthead is better, but there are probably people who would disagree. Remember, you are going to need a pole (I suggest carbon if you can afford it), preferably with a trigger latch on both ends, a topping lift, and a foreguy, if you don't already have these things.Lastly, remember that a spinnaker can be a very dangerous sail if you don't know how to use it properly.MC

 

[Michael Cohn]

Hi Shep

You are probably going to want a 1/2 or at most 3/4 oz tri-radial spinnaker (symmetrical). If the wind is persistently under 10 knots, go with the 1/2 oz.For best performance downwind, you are going to need to gybe repeatedly rather than sailing dead downwind. DDW is both slow and also dangerous.I personally think masthead is better, but there are probably people who would disagree. Remember, you are going to need a pole (I suggest carbon if you can afford it), preferably with a trigger latch on both ends, a topping lift, and a foreguy, if you don't already have these things.Lastly, remember that a spinnaker can be a very dangerous sail if you don't know how to use it properly.MC

 

[Clement]

'93 27 downwind

Unless I'm mistaken, the '93 model is the same as my '89 model, sometimes listed as the H27-2. This boat uses a fractional rig similar to the J27. The mast does not provide for a means to fly a spinnaker from the masthead. There is a sheave for a spinnaker halyard located just above the headstay. If you really want to race in a spinnaker fleet, you will need to do some serious work on adding topping lift, downhaul, turning blocks, etc.I suggest buying an asymetrical chute that is much easier to fly without all of the extra rigging.I race mine in non-spin and I don't sail lower than 150 degrees, meaning I gybe back and forth.good luck.

 

[Michael Cohn]

Sym vs. Asym

I agree, the asym is definitely easier to use, and does not require all of the extra rigging. It makes a great cruising chute.However, if your goal is to win races, then you are going to need a symmetrical chute in order to be competitive. Asym's are not competitive except on a few ultralights, and your boat isn't one of those.I think you will enjoy racing with your new sail and find lots of ways to be creative with it!MC