Spinnaker sheet size

[Mike]

I am thinking of getting a cruising spinnaker. What size sheets should I use. I have been told 3/8 and 5/16.

 

[David Moon]

7/16"

I do not fly my spinnaker often and use it as a cruising spinnaker when I do but the sheets and halyards are 7/16". My 1990 C30 tall rig manual shows them as 7/16" as well.

 

[Trevor]

Smaller for light air

I purchased two 7/16" sheets for my asymmetrical spinnaker as recommended in my manual, thinking I'd need that size to utilize the self tailing ability of my winches. Works fine in heavier air, but I've found that they are just too heavy in wind speeds less than 7 or 8 knots. I picked up 3/8" and might consider 1/4" sheets for light air days - need to keep that chute full! When it's so light the self tailers aren't necessary anyway.Have fun with that chute!Trevor