Flew the spinnaker!!!!!

[Kermit]

We finally did it. We finally flew our spinnaker yesterday at Wateree Lake. We figured the wind would be light but it was almost non-existent when we arrived at the dock. After lunch (more on that in another post), we motored out, raised the main, unfurled the jib and were having nice time in light winds. My wife then told me she was ok with me hoisting for the spinnaker for the first time. Low and behold, the wind was just strong enough to fill it nicely!

Preparing for the hoist went a whole lot smoother than either of us expected. Had a great time sailing with it. We learned alot of things, though. I could write an entire article on some things we learned not to do but I'll spare you for now.

Speaking of cool, several boats slowed down to watch us and one boat stopped to take our picture and the owner told us how much he loved our spinnaker. (We're kicking ourselves for not asking - no, begging - him to send it to us.)

I probably will write another post later about what we learned and things we still need to learn. (Like how to jibe without getting the clew completely tangled in the roller furler.) But for now, y'all know what the South Carolina state flag looks like. Except the flag is more flag-shaped than spinnaker-shaped. ;-)

 

[woodster]

well done ...it really looks great .......

regards

woody

 

[lehighsail]

Still being new to using mine, it is nice when some other beginner is successful. I am still learning...not much cooperation from the first mate because of a long learning curve. When you write what you learned, please give a lot of details. The experienced guys know how to do it well, it's us newbies that need the info.
Thanks

 

[PrincessoftheLake]

I love your spinnaker-it is beautiful! Most of my experience with the bag of terror has been on smaller boats that I have raced on White Bear Lake here in Minnesota. Learning to fly that thing created many comic opportunities. Sounds like you did great. Good for you!

 

[lehighsail]

"Bag of Terror". I really, really like that!!!

 

[Sandy Stone]

A couple of things can make jibes a *little* easier, assuming you do 'inside' jibes:
Ease the tack line out 4-5 feet as you turn down in preparation for the jibe, it gives the sail more room to pass through;
When you roll up the jib, make sure the knots for the jib sheets are on the aft side of the roll, it's amazing how they can grab onto the chute.

 

[Kermit]

Sandy,

While trying to get to sleep last night with my mind still racing with excitement, I actually thought of that. Just got off the phone with the sailmaker. He figured I must have pulled the new active sheet too quickly. He suggested we jibe the boat extremely slowly and then pull the new active sheet when the clew is just in line with the tack.

Can't wait to try again.

 

[Todd Smith]

Maybe try "outside" gybes. That way the sail never gets near the furler. Just check that the lazy sheet does not drop under the bow.

And congratulations on flying the spinnaker. It's a big step.

 

[Joe]

Very Cool Sail, Kermit!

The secret to jibing big sails is to steer the boat under the sail, rather than trying to pull the sail across... not too fast not to slow... just a controlled smooth turn. Letting the sail fly outside (in front) of the headstay is my preference, but as Todd warns, don't let the lazy sheet drop under the bow.

As you become more comfortable with the sail, you will probably want to rig a set of "twings" of "tweakers" for your sheets. These allow you to change the sheet's downward angle, like a jib lead block, to improve performance.