Spinnaker skeeve?

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mgandpcbryan

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Apr 2, 2013
12
Catalina 30 MK II STD Mandeville, LA
Hi


Just bought an 87 Catalina 30, wing keel, and she came with an asymerrical spinnaker. Ive never flown a spinnaker, but would like to. My wife and I are substantially daysailors, and Im wondering if I can buy a sock for the spinnaker, and if it will make sailhandling easier. Intuitively I think yes to both questions.
 
py26129

py26129

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Oct 25, 2011
576
Island Packet IP31 Lake St. Louis, Montreal
A sleeve will definitely make setting and dousing the spinnaker easier. I used to race avtively and my last cruising boat had an asymetric shute without a sleeve, so I have a fair bit of spinnaker experience.

Our current boat has a spinnaker with sleeve and the sleeve makes setting the chute an easy and controlled event. Ditto for take downs. I was pleasantly surprised how easily the sleeve came down to douse the chute, even in a fairly strong breeze.

Still, take your time to get to know the sail and what you are comfortable with and you will have a good time.

Cheers

Matt
 
RichH

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
When using a 'sleeve' or equivalent with an asymmetrical spinnaker, you must consider the dimension for the 'operating gear' of the top of the sleeve to be included in the total length of the spinnaker + 'sleeve hardware'. An assym spinnaker should be able to have its luff pulled fairly taught, An assym spinnaker PLUS 'sleeve' should ALSO be able to have its luff pulled fairly taught ..... or you may/will have difficulty in 'reaching', raising/lowering (in boisterous conditions).

Rx: make sure the 'assembled' dimensions of spinnaker luff PLUS the sleeve allows for the asymmetrical spinnaker to be hoisted 'taught'. If it cant be hauled taught, then the spinnaker should be re-cut/resewn. Such will help to prevent accidentally wrapping the spinn around the forestay and will provide 'better' performance of the spinn in *VERY* light winds.
 
FastOlson

FastOlson

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Apr 8, 2010
2,151
Ericson Yachts Olson 34 28400 Portland OR
Not the cheapest, and not the lightest in weight all up, but we have found that the ATN snuffer is a really good product.
You might also consider a Plan B, and check out the newest idea in A-sail control, the 'top down furler'.
Some nice videos on line that show it in use.

Loren
 
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