Spinniker Info?

[Mike I]

I have a Catalina 30 that I purchased about a year ago. I have never sailed with a Spinniker and I need to find BASIC information on how to use one. I mean basic, like naming all the associated equipment, where to attach and run lines, how to set and douse a cruising (asymetrical) spinniker, etc. Book, video, or on the net preferred. B.T.W., I sail singlehanded 99% of the time.Thaks,Mike I.

 

[Joe]

Cruising Spinnakers....

.. go to CruisingDirect.com and read the section on their cruising spinnaker (also known as a gennaker). It explains the whole set up. The only thing you might need extra is a spinnaker halyard. The spinnaker halyard block attached to the masthead in front of the forestay. You might need a crane if you have roller furling to keep the halyard and sail from fouling on the swivel. A pennant is attached to the tack of the gennaker to allow the sail to clear the bow pulpit. You'll also need a set of blocks on the genoa track as far aft as possible, plus some lightweight sheets. Most importantly, for single-handers, is a dousing sock, so include that in your budget. The sock will allow you to set and douse the sail easily while the auto-pilot steers the boat. good luck.

 

[Mike I.]

C.D. Sails

Joe,I guess I'm not at the Cruising Direct site you mentioned (WWW.Cruisingdirect.com). The one I get has no info on anything except purchawing sails, measuring, material, tc.Mike I.

 

[Joe]

Hey, Mike.....

...I'm sorry, I thought the drawing and article on the gennaker was on the site, because everything else from the buyer's guide is there. Apparently not! Go ahead and order the buyer's guide, it should only take a few days. In the meantime I'll check some other sailmakers site's to see if they have anything and let you know. I guess I could try to explain it myself, but I'm kind of tired tonight, and you really need to look at a drawing to get the whole picture. Again, my apologies.

 

[Mike I.]

Thanx

Thanks Joe,I serched several sail makers web pages for info but they didn't have much. Maybe I ain't too smart, but, I need something like; this is a spinnaker. This is what you attach it to, it's called a...etc., etc...Mike