Whats a cruising chute

[Tom O'Callaghan]

i've looked up alot of info on spinnakers but in doing so saw several references to cruising chutes. whats the difference, or is there a difference. can't seem to get much info on the chutes.

 

[Bob E.]

DRS, Drifter, Blooper, Asym Spin, etc.

Over the years cruising spinnakers have been called a variety of names. The current popular term is asymetrical spinnaker. The main difference between a cruising spinnaker and a real spinnaker is that the cruising spinnaker is flown without a pole. This leads to some major operational differences, but the general idea is the same, to add downwind power. Not having a pole makes it easier to set and trim and especially to jibe. Cruising spinnakers almost always have a snuffer or sock, but sometimes real spinnakers do also. Here is a Web site with some more information (no endorsement intended) http://www.macksails.com/spinaker.htmAnd this one is especially interesting:http://uksailmakers.com/assym.html

 

[Steve O.]

cruising chute

To further clarify, a cruising spinaker is tacked to the bow like a conventional headsail, usually on a pennant a few feet off the deck depending on the boat. It uses a single sheet, also like a conventional headsail. You can use a pole but it attaches to the mast and runs to the clew. There is no need for guys or topping lifts with a cruiser, but a stuffing sock is reccomended. And a cruising chute works best when you are slightly off of the wind, they don't work good if the wind is dead aft. You can also reach with a cruiser in light air.