Spinnaker choice

[RickS]

The sail inventory on our Peterson 34 includes three symetrical spinnakers of different weights, .50 oz, .75 oz and 1.5 oz. What wind ranges would be appropriate for each of the three spinnakers?

 

[Brian B321]

Cut is as important as weight

I suggest you fly all three and take notes and pictures of each - Assuming that all three were cut specifically for this boat then the size and shape of each may be as/more important than the weight:the 3/4 ounce chute is likely the all-round "working" chute for the broadest range of conditions - both wind and all points of sailthe 1/2 ounce is for those days when there is no wind -it likely has very broad shoulders and his cut very full to gather any glimmer of wind - you would probably not be able to carry this sail if the wind is on the beam because of the broad shoulders - but should work well ddw or on broad reaches - you may have a small staysail (snitzel ?) of similiar cloth that is a deck sweeper and funnels what little wind there is up into the chute.the 1.5 will often be cut slightly smaller in the shoulders and be much flatter- easier to carry on a reach - and often used when it is blowing like stink but your racing and you have to put something up or be laughed out of the clubhouse - so this is it.

 

[TomD23576]

I agree with Brian

Your 3/4oz is the all purpose chute. That is the sail you will use most of the time. It is good in as little air as required to keep it flying up to 20plus. The 1/2oz is for light air, anything under 8kts, but sometimes we will fly it in up to 15kts if we are sailing very deep because it is so much broader. And I have heard of the 1.5oz chute referred to as the chicken chute. If you fly it in 15-20kts, I might actually call you a chicken, but if you fly it in the conditions it was built for I'll be the last to call you a chicken. We've flown ours in 25plus or in really gusty conditions. One thing to look at is the condition of the cloth. When spinnakers age the cloth looses its strength and it won't take much to rip it. So when you are looking at wind ranges with which to fly different chutes, take into consideration the age of the sail.

 

[RickS]

Spinnaker age

We do have two staysails in the sail inventory. The spinnaker fabric seems to be in very good condition and I don't believe that they have been used in over twelve years. Lake Michigan winds can vary from extremely light to blustery conditions.