Twings, 2nd spin halyard

[Alan Orr]

When racing with spinnaker, it is advisable to have twings attached to the spin sheets, but I haven't been able to think of a good and efficient method of running them for easiest adjustment. Has anyone been using them and how are they setup on yor boat? Also, how did you run a second spin halyard, the original runs through a single sheave in the forestay attaching support?

 

[Del Wiese]

what are twings used for?

What are twings used for? My 89 Legend 37 has two spinnaker halyard blocks installed in the mast just above the forestay (it is fractional rig). It also has topping lift block installed below the forestay.

 

[Alan Orr]

Twings?

Are lines used to adjust the sheet lead angle similar to adjutable genoa cars for your headsail.

 

[Del Wiese]

my understanding

I thought that with a symetrical spinnaker you adjusted the pole height to keep the clews level, meaning you raise/lower the clew attached to the pole (the "guy" clew) to match the "sheet" clew which will be higher or lower depending on wind speed. Where do twings figure into this equation? I understand the use of twings with headsails, just not spinnaker. I am asking from curiosity since I currently run an asymetrical, although I have flown it with a pole like a symetrical.

 

[Alan Orr]

Spinnaker trim

True, the pole controls the height of the "guy" clew and the twings help to control the sheet clew. The 1st step in shaping is to follow the sail with the lead. This means that on a close reach the lead should be all the way aft and as the course moves to a broad reach and the sheet is eased the lead should be moved forward. If the lead is left aft as the clew moves forward the sail will float too high and the spinnaker will loose power. Twings are used to choke down the sheet lead angle.

 

[Rail Whale]

Twings

Twings or tweakers are used on boats which do end for end gybes (most boats 34' or less) with symmetrical spinnakers. The guy twing is pulled down to the rail so that the angle of the spinnaker guy is fair to the pole. The twing is usually located at the the max beam point on the rail. The twing on the spinnaker sheet side is relased and floats on the spinnaker sheet. Sometimes the spin twing is adjusted to choke down the chute in heavy weather or rolling conditions. Also when gybing both twings are usually 3/4ths on so that you can stabilize the chute during the gybe. Obviously the functions are reversed after the gybe. Most people attach a single fiddle block with cam cleat to the toerail or stanchion base. The twing block is usually a Harken carbo block or Holt Allen mini snatch block which floats on the sheets. The twing line is usally 1/4" spectra or high tech braid that does not absorb water and has high strength.