Retractable Bow Sprit

[Alan]

Just wondering if anyone has added any kind of bow sprit to their boat to aid in flying their asymetrical spinnaker? Did you make it yourself or buy one resdy made? If so, what did your local rating committee do with your rating? I'm in the process and wondering............

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Made it myself

And sent the pix and plans all over the country. It's tried and true, and suggests you leave the sheets deployed just outside the lifelines. Also has the tack line permanently deployed in the furling sheeves. The furling line was redeployed to three Clear Step sheeves on the stanchions.This setup will keep the spin away from the main, cutting your angle of attack by a good 10 degrees. Enjoy. Note: There are two pages of pix here...

 

[Alan]

Bill

I tried downloading and opening but it didn't work. Can you check and resend, thanks

 

[Capt'n Bob]

Bow Sprit not allowed

Here in Gulf racing a bow sprit is not allowed with an Asym unless it is class legal and the boat comes that way. This sez that the spinnaker pole or any other pole cannot be jury rigged out the bow so as to act as a Asym bow sprit.In setting the Asym we are required (in GYA) to keep the tack witin 24 inches of the jib tack.I set my Asym with a set block at the anchor roller bracket and lead the tack line back to the cockpit to assist in tacking etc..But once the Asym is full her tack must be with in 2 feet of the jib tack so sez GYA.Also in racing with an Asym - GYA does not say anything about using a spinnaker pole - so we use it. Tried it on a no wind day and it does help in a wing and wing setup with the main.Appreciate hearing from others as to any limitations on the Asym in their racing.I like the idea of racing with the Asym as it does not seem as difficult (dangerous) as the spinnaker. Maybe once I learn to use a full race spinnaker I may have a different idea.Race onRD

 

[Alan]

Capt'n Bob

So your local PHRF will allow you to fly the Akite off a penalty pole. Instead of using it wing on wing, try flying it with the tack line through the end of the pole and tacked to the stem.Our local PHRF will allow a sprit to be added, but there will be a significant penalty for it. I'm expecting 3 seconds for each 10% increase in the J

 

[Capt'n Bob]

Words of wisdom

Alan,Some where I must have missed your term usage,Please explain the term "penality pole" as it would pertain to an Asym wing and wing set ?? Is a penality pole a spinnaker pole ??Also I am not familiar with the term "stem" as applied to a tack line and spinnaker pole usage.As to the actual usage of an Asym in spinnaker racing in the local area - one does not see them much unless it is on boats where the Asym and the sprit is a class legal item.I have tried several races with the Asym and it has a place in the race when the winds are off the beam. On a down wind run I have yet to master the art of tacking downwind with the Asym to keep the VMG in a positive widow. It is something we will work on this season.RD