Swap ends, for me. BTW, when it is blowing hard that operation really is easier if you run the sheet and guy through those midship blocks, because if it is windy and you go before the wind to jibe and take the pole off the mast, the chute can really rise up and start bobbling around, not so good and also it makes it hard to grab the "new guy" to snap the pole on. If you use the midship blocks and maybe overtrim the sheet a little the chute is still pretty locked in even when the pole is off. But all that's only an issue in I would say at least 18 kts plus. Otherwise just use the quarter blocks, bear off to a run, overtrim the old sheet a little and be ready to trim the new sheet some when the pole comes off it, take pole off the mast and bring the old guy in with the pole and take the old guy off, snap pole into old sheet/new guy, let the main jibe itself or let the helmsman do it, and trim on the new course. Steering is key, if you jibe and the helmsman lets the boat up before the pole is on the sail will blow into the foretriangle and make a mess unless helm bears off quickly. In a wind it takes 3 good hands, trimmer, helm and foredeck. Take one out of the equation and it makes for a poor show.
Another trick I forgot to say is to leave the jib up until chute is hoisted and at least partially trimmed, then drop the jib. This way the chute can't wrap around the forestay. I don't always do it that way but it is a good trick.
All this makes flying the chute seem very intimidating. But it is a really useful light weather sail, and sailors have used light sails for centuries and I think all sailors ought to be comfortable with a chute, at least in moderate winds. Like anything else in sailing, take it in bites, increasing your comfort level in stages. But don't practice in a really light air, you can't tell what you are doing right or wrong. 7 - 15 kts is perfect for practice.
When you are running dead downwind, clew of the chute at the headstay, pole 90 deg to centerline so the whole chute is in the wind, main boom all the way out on the other side, and with that great spread of canvas you are making good time in a modest breeze on course and in perfect equanimity, you will feel like a good sailor (because you are).
Nicholas H. Walsh P.A.
111 Commercial St.
Portland ME 04101
207/772-2191
Fax 207/774-3940
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From: prius12002
Sent: Friday, June 05, 2009 1:39 PM
To:
AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlbinVega] Spinnaker handlingOne more short question, if I may. How do y'all jibe your spinnakers? Dip the pole or swap ends?
