Spinnaker Question

[Zoom767]

Good Evening All,

I purchased a Hunter 35.5 Legend last Fall which came with a spinnaker.

As I have never used one before, I was wondering if someone could possibly help me with the rigging? I did find an excellent article on the web, but I still have a couple of questions. I've been able to determine that my spinnaker is a cruising spinnaker.

The first attached picture (rigging1.jpg) shows how to attach the "tack" portion of the spinnaker and I think I am alright on this aspect. As well, I have a "Chute" which I am also able to figure out how it works.

I placed the two snatch blocks just ahead of the stern pulpit and can also understand how to run the sheets from the "clew" of the spinnaker, through the block, and forward to a cockpit winch.

Where I am having trouble is with the routing of the "lazy" sheet. The article says to route the sheet around the front of the fore-stay, as demonstrated in the attached second picture (rigging2.jpg).

For the life of me, I can not understand why one would do this and I am leaning to routing it on the inside of the fore-stay -- outside of the mast and all shrouds and safety lines.

Am I wrong in doing this?

The last picture (1.jpg) is an actual picture that was with the advertisement of the boat showing the spinnaker deployed -- but it is difficult to see the actual set-up.

Any in-sight would be most appreciated;

Rob

 

[Kermit]

http://www.fxsails.com/spinnarticle.php
http://www.fxsails.com/spinnarticle2.php
http://www.fxsails.com/spinnarticle3.php

One is called an inside jibe and the other is an outside jibe. They both are valid and both have pluses and minuses. I've done them both successfully and find them both challenging. Read the articles above and come back with more questions. There are plenty of folks here with lots of experience. It won't be long before you're able to help others, too. Aspins are fun but not easy. At least not easy for me.

 

[justsomeguy]

Good Evening All,

I purchased a Hunter 35.5 Legend last Fall which came with a spinnaker.

As I have never used one before, I was wondering if someone could possibly help me with the rigging? I did find an excellent article on the web, but I still have a couple of questions. I've been able to determine that my spinnaker is a cruising spinnaker.

The first attached picture (rigging1.jpg) shows how to attach the "tack" portion of the spinnaker and I think I am alright on this aspect. As well, I have a "Chute" which I am also able to figure out how it works.

Except for sawing at the furled foresail with the tackline, it'll work. I prefer the tackline's fairlead in front of the foresail, though.

I placed the two snatch blocks just ahead of the stern pulpit and can also understand how to run the sheets from the "clew" of the spinnaker, through the block, and forward to a cockpit winch.

Where I am having trouble is with the routing of the "lazy" sheet. The article says to route the sheet around the front of the fore-stay, as demonstrated in the attached second picture (rigging2.jpg).

For the life of me, I can not understand why one would do this and I am leaning to routing it on the inside of the fore-stay -- outside of the mast and all shrouds and safety lines.

Am I wrong in doing this?

Think of what would happen when you want to gybe the spinnaker. Go out on a day with a gentle breeze, a couple of game friends and try it.

The last picture (1.jpg) is an actual picture that was with the advertisement of the boat showing the spinnaker deployed -- but it is difficult to see the actual set-up.

Any in-sight would be most appreciated;

Rob

 

[Zoom767]

Thanks Kermit

 

[Zoom767]

Both excellent points! I'm still thinking the spinnaker would react like the genoa in a gybe and I never thought about the "sawing" action on the furled jib.

Thank you

 

[Zoom767]

As the picture indicates that the tack is behind the forestay, when a Gybe occurs with the sheets in front of the forestay, this would cause the sail to wrap around the forestay at the tack point. This is what was confusing me. I think I should be placing the block for the tack ahead of the forestay, and not like it shows in my first attached picture?

 

[justsomeguy]

As the picture indicates that the tack is behind the forestay, when a Gybe occurs with the sheets in front of the forestay, this would cause the sail to wrap around the forestay at the tack point. This is what was confusing me. I think I should be placing the block for the tack ahead of the forestay, and not like it shows in my first attached picture?

That's how I do it on my little boat.

Incidentally, that block behind the forestay would make a fine fairlead for your sock downhaul (also led outside the jib sheets).

You're gonna love that sail! Fun and challenging.

 

[Mark48]

Most of my experience with a spinnaker has been with the sail more forward and not in a genoa position. If your lazy sheet is aft of the furler when you gybe you will have the now lead sheet bent around the furler. redraw the picture with the spin with about 20% to your starboard and 80% port and you will get the point.

 

[py26129]

Rob

Basically, the tack and the lazy sheet should be on the same side of the furled jib. I have used both setups. On my previous boat, with the tack and the lazy sheet aft of the furler we gybed inside the forestay. This worked ok but we had to pull on the spinnaker sheet just before the gybe to make sure the chute wnet through behind eh forestay.

On our current boat, the tack is attached in front of the furler and the lazy sheet leads in front of the furler as well. Now when we gybe we let the sheet out until the chute flies out in front of the boat almost like a flag and then start th tighten the new sheet. While tightening the new sheet, keep just enough tension on the old sheet to make sure it stays oout of the water and you do not run it over. I find this much easier than gybing through the foretriangle, behind the furler.

Both ways work. In the end it's your preference that will determine wat method you go with.

Cheers

Matt

 

[Bill Roosa]

Think about what the spinnaker is going to look like "on the other tack"if you take it through the forestay-mast triangle. the tack line and halyard are going to be running back around the forestay between the mast and forestay and not running free and clear as you would want.

 

[Zoom767]

Thank you all for your input. It sure is nice to be able to draw on a wealth of information and experience.

Today was a perfect 3-5 knot day, so I was able to spend about an hour at the slip lowering and raising the chute, placing the tack as you folks suggested and playing around with sheets.

It's all making sense now. One thing did become immediately apparent -- I sail single-handed a lot and with a spinnaker I can see the necessity to keep a very watchful eye for the possibility of the approach of strong winds; as I can see how a sail like this could get away from you in very short order along with making the boat very unstable. Even at the dock tied up with negligible winds, it was amazing to watch how quickly the sail could get into a dangerous oscillating situation with an untrimmed sheet.

Just another quick question. With a furling Genoa, do you folks remove the sheets from the Genoa and secure the sail with bungee cords or something prior to using the spinnaker?

Best Regards,
Rob

 

[justsomeguy]

Just another quick question. With a furling Genoa, do you folks remove the sheets from the Genoa and secure the sail with bungee cords or something prior to using the spinnaker?

Best Regards,
Rob

Nope.

 

[py26129]

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Just another quick question. With a furling Genoa, do you folks remove the sheets from the Genoa and secure the sail with bungee cords or something prior to using the spinnaker?

Best Regards,
Rob[/COLOR]

How did you set up your spinnaker? The answer to your question is it depends. If you gybe through the foretriangle, then yes. If you gybe around the front of the forestay then there's no need.

Cheers

Matt