My C27 came with a telescoping whisker pole and a ring car on the mast, but no spinnaker. I am considering buying a spinnaker but am unsure how to rig and fly one. I 'helped' fly one on someone else's boat several years ago but have since forgotten to what the outward end of the pole attaches and where the sheets run. Any advice will be most appreciated. Paul
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Short answer
Typically the outward end of the pole attaches to the spinnaker sheet that's on the windward side of the boat. The sheets then typically run back to a block aft of the winches. The windward sheet is winched & cleated, while the leward sheet is actively "played" to keep airflow across the spinnaker. Now, note that this is just enough info to get you into trouble. Better advise is to take someone out on your boat with experience to show you real-time how to sail with a spinnaker...Have fun!
Typically the outward end of the pole attaches to the spinnaker sheet that's on the windward side of the boat. The sheets then typically run back to a block aft of the winches. The windward sheet is winched & cleated, while the leward sheet is actively "played" to keep airflow across the spinnaker. Now, note that this is just enough info to get you into trouble. Better advise is to take someone out on your boat with experience to show you real-time how to sail with a spinnaker...Have fun!
great info in archives...
Paul, Spinnake flying is the ultimate...check the archives for more details and tips!!! GG
Paul, Spinnake flying is the ultimate...check the archives for more details and tips!!! GG
whisker pole
Sounds like the previous owner never used it for a spinnaker. The whisker pole is designed to hold the clew (leeward, rear corner) of the jib/genoa outboard when running downwind or reaching in light air. I doubt you have all the hardware and fixtures for a traditional (symetrical, racing) spinnaker. A spinnaker pole is designed to hold the forward, or windward corner of the sail out front and windward of the forestay. Use your whisker pole for what it is intended. My whisker pole's large end is the inboard end and the smaller is the outboard end, which is clipped to the sheet, not the sail or nor inside the bowline's loop. I use a spare halyard clipped to one hole in the outboard end to control the attitude. I clip a preventer line to the other hole on the outboard end and run it down to a block on the forward rail then back to a convenient cleat. This controls the angle, which affects the foot's curve and keeps the pole from bouncing up and down. The height of the pole is controled at the mast. On a large sail, such as a 150 genoa, the pole may be anchored to a fitting placed outside the shrouds taking advantage of the pole's adjustability. If you want a spinnaker, get a cruising, or asymetrical chute. It does not require a pole and two people can easily handle the sail. Go to www.CruisingDirect.com for details on rigging, trimming, sizes and prices. Trust me when I tell you that acquiring an "A" kite will enhance your sailing experience many times over.
Sounds like the previous owner never used it for a spinnaker. The whisker pole is designed to hold the clew (leeward, rear corner) of the jib/genoa outboard when running downwind or reaching in light air. I doubt you have all the hardware and fixtures for a traditional (symetrical, racing) spinnaker. A spinnaker pole is designed to hold the forward, or windward corner of the sail out front and windward of the forestay. Use your whisker pole for what it is intended. My whisker pole's large end is the inboard end and the smaller is the outboard end, which is clipped to the sheet, not the sail or nor inside the bowline's loop. I use a spare halyard clipped to one hole in the outboard end to control the attitude. I clip a preventer line to the other hole on the outboard end and run it down to a block on the forward rail then back to a convenient cleat. This controls the angle, which affects the foot's curve and keeps the pole from bouncing up and down. The height of the pole is controled at the mast. On a large sail, such as a 150 genoa, the pole may be anchored to a fitting placed outside the shrouds taking advantage of the pole's adjustability. If you want a spinnaker, get a cruising, or asymetrical chute. It does not require a pole and two people can easily handle the sail. Go to www.CruisingDirect.com for details on rigging, trimming, sizes and prices. Trust me when I tell you that acquiring an "A" kite will enhance your sailing experience many times over.
spinnaker snuffer sleeve
Although I enjoyed my younger years of flying a spinnaker and pole, I enjoyed the cruising spinnaker even more. I got I sleeve for the sail that would allow me snuff the big sail quickly in an unexpected gust, and then let it fly again when conditions were favorable. It saves all that repacking into a turtle sack. Since the sail fills from the bottom with a snuffer, it is less likely to twist while filling. Have fun either way !
Although I enjoyed my younger years of flying a spinnaker and pole, I enjoyed the cruising spinnaker even more. I got I sleeve for the sail that would allow me snuff the big sail quickly in an unexpected gust, and then let it fly again when conditions were favorable. It saves all that repacking into a turtle sack. Since the sail fills from the bottom with a snuffer, it is less likely to twist while filling. Have fun either way !
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