Gennaker versus Spinnaker

[AlanAnt]

I own a 2005 Hunter 33 and would like to purchase a sail for Broad Reaching and Downwind Sailing. Those of us with B&R Rigging, Wing-on-Wing doesn;t work too well since the Main lays up against the Rig. I don't race, but would like a little more speed when heading home. I like the Gennaker idea Pros and Cons ?

 

[Alan]

Alan, a gennaker is a spinnaker. The difference being symmetrical vs asymmetrical. The asymmetrical (Akite)(gennaker) is a favorite of cruisers because it can be flown short handed without a pole.Flying an Akite is for beam and broad reaching usually no deeper than 140 apparent. Sailing DDW(dead down wind) is the slowest point of sail for most boats. Reaching off is invariably faster and a much more enjoyable ride.To minimize the chafe problem of the main riding on the aft swept spreaders you should increase vang and outhaul tension which will pull draft out of the sail allowing the main sheet to be eased further presenting more surface area to the breeze, all a plus.

 

[Patrick]

Get an "A" sail like mine

I have a H33.5 and just got an A sail for it, and love it, can be handled by 1 person.Suggest you visit WWW>Sailnet.com and look at their sailloft, put in the size of you boat and up comes your sail.Also get the ATN tacker and the snuffer, nothing like it !

 

[Patrick]

forgot to mention

I forgot to mention that the "A" sailput at least 1 1/2 kt. on the boat when downwind.

 

[newly anonymous]

pros and cons for cruising

A gennaker is cut more for reaching than the standard Akite, which has broader shoulders for running.If your largest headsail is a 110% jib, then you probably will get more out of a gennaker because it will fill in your gap for light air reaching. A gennaker will point much higher than the standard Akite, and yet will still go deep fairly well. By "fairly well" I mean that you wouldn't be happy racing it on windward/leeward courses, but unless you spend most of your downwind time on a deep broad reach, a gennaker will make you happy. If your largest headsail is a 150% genoa, go with the Akite.