Question for re: Asymetrical Spinnaker

[Rick D]

Maybe Alan can answer: I am thinking of getting an A-Kite for my 40.5. It is a good fit in that there is an 18" or so anchor roller out in fromt of the stem with a big bail that is a perfect tack point. My question is re: racing. I do two long distance, predominately downwind races yearly of 100 plus miles. The rumb line is DDW for about 14 hours a day. I have done well in non-spinnaker cruz class with my 135 poled out and my main prevented wing on wing. However, I assume my PHRF rating assumes a symetrical spinnaker. Since a A-kite is generally good for 90-130 degrees, am I wasting my time to consider flyning an A-kite in a spinnaker class in a predominantly DDW race? RD

 

[Alan]

Rick

We all know that DDW is the slowest point of sail. Even with a symmetrical kite you would want to jibe off at 160 or so rather than run(assuming the wind is dead astern).Given that the Akite performs better on a more forward AWA this would mean that you would need to sail 10 or 15 degrees higher than a symmetrical. The technique used is to head slightly up and build speed which will drive the AWA forward. Then you 'soak' down and burn off the speed. This process is repeated over and over until a new jibe is called for. If you are allowed to use a spinnaker pole with your Akite, you could fly it with the kite winged out opposite the main and poled out. This will allow you to sail deeper angles and is very effective(I've done it)The anchor roller is the ideal place to tack the kite and run the tack line back to the cockpit where you can control the tack height.

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Try this bowsprit

Here’s an easy-to-make bowsprit, seats in the anchor locker.This will throw the spin ahead of the main, to create less blanketing.Tack line and 2 sheets are permanently deployed for quicker setup.(Note that the link here has 2 pages of pix and directions.)

 

[Alan]

Bill

Your link failed to open. Can you check it?Rick, it is true that a sprit pole will give you much better downwind performance with your Akite. I added one to my boat last year similar to a J105, it made a HUGE improvement.It has nearly 6' extension and is fully retractable.I have pictures if you are interested.