A- symertical and racing spinnikers with spinniker pole

[bubba]

The factory A-spiniker lines were too short and my wife had already bought replacement lines 64 ft long per Mac spec. so we got another 64 ft. that makes 128 ft. That will come in handy when I fit an extension pole type bowsprit hopefully a carbonfiber one. We have the stock anchor roller and I am looking for about 5 feet of 2 inch carbonfiber pipe. I would like to mount a pully on the end for the tack line so it would be adjustable and be able to bring the sail down the bow hatch with out detatching it too soon. I am thinking that some kind of wire to attach the bowsprit pole to the bow eye, maybe something as simple as safety line with temporary fittings so not to be in the way when trailering.

[Richard O'Brien]

Mostly this season I've been hitch-hiking rides on a J-22. They use symmetrical spinnakers, and besides the pole they use an additional control that could lend itself to controlling our assyms. They have a small block, or ring attached to a small line ,then to the sheet about midship, then to a block and back to a cleat . This allows two things: 1. on the windward side you can keep the lazy sheet out of the water by pulling it in, and 2. on the Leeward side you can snug up the clew when the wind dies, or when your dropping the assym. and gathering it in without getting it wet. I haven't added these yet, but it seems simple enough?

[bubba]

I was looking at the J boats and they have retractable graphite bow sprit poles out one side of the bow to use with there spinnakers dont they? Maby a good option for a Mac.

[bubba]

I saw them at Seattle's Schilshole Bay marina 2 weeks ago. There is a J boat dealer there and quite a few club boats and weekend races. I guess those boats are riged for racing around bouy's with 8 or 10 crew. I looked at a 42 ft J not exactly my thing right now.

I am thinking of using my anchor roller extension without the roller to put a pipe into about 2 inches o.d. and extend it just enough so the tack line will clear everything, add a pully and call it good.

[Richard O'Brien]

I just added the little "waist" sheets today from the middle stanchions. I'll see how it works on wed. Bubba, to what are you attaching the aft end of your bowsprit? keep us clued in on how it works for you/

[maddmike]

Hi Bubba

The problem I have with setting my assym. with no crew is once the wheel tied, and all lines are outside and clear, then I jerk the halyard, and have a sheet wildly flailing until I can get back to cleat it off. This can turn the boat downwind no matter where the wheel is set, and leave you with a lot to deal with if it gybes back on you. I know MadMike does it frequently, but I've not gotten that trick down yet. A pole would only make it worse, but in light wind I use the pole with any foresail available.

Here's a little trick to try just for fun when single-handing and using a 'snuffer/chute' that requires you to go forward to deploy; Not recommended unless you have an autopilot and are using it and are hooked in!. The problem is, of course, trying to haul up the chute (or pull off the snuffer) and tend the sheet at the same time when you are alone. You can do this (be sure to practice in VERY light wind to get a feel for it) by bringing the Gennaker sheet back forward from around the winch. I use a climbing ascender attached from a lifeline to 'tend' (belay) the sheet at the same time I pull the snuffer off the Gennaker. DO NOT put the sheet in your mouth, unless you happen to like rope burned lips! If you don't have a 'one way' cam device that opens (like a Jumar) and the wind is light, you can step on the sheet line (use one wrap on the winch), as you deploy the Gennaker- one up haul pull on the halyard with the right hand - and then at the same time one 'in haul' pull on the Gen sheet-with the left (or visa versa) with a little practice you can develop a routine that works well and will impress any folks watching as you casually round the mark single-handed while furling the jib and deploying the Gennaker from the foredeck! MM disclaimer: Not recommended in traffic.

MM

[bastonjock]

mike,when you say a "gennaker" pardon the inexperience here but whats the difference between a gennaker and an asymetrical spinnaker,and who makes gennakers for macs?

[bubba]

Mike and myself and lots others will be at the BWY rendezvous in Port Orchard this weekend. I will ask your question: whats the difference between a gennaker and an asymetrical spinnaker,and who makes gennakers for macs ?

[Richard O'Brien]

I use a climbing ascender attached from a lifeline to 'tend' (belay) the sheet

MM

It figures that you use climbing gear on your sailboat! I use carabiners for everything. They are way cheaper than shackles. I don't climb any more but I I already trust the gear, and since climbers are poorer than sailors usually, you can get pretty high quality stuff for the money.

[bubba]

Check out this bowsprit pole for a 575 sq ft A spinniker
http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm42 ... s08033.jpg and
http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm42 ... s08032.jpg retracted;

http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm42 ... s08001.jpg and
http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm42 ... s08002.jpg extended.

and http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm42 ... s08010.jpg
Side to side control http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm42 ... s08003.jpg for bowsprit lines running back to cockpit.

The aft edge of the bigger genniaker or A spinniker should be in the same location as the smaller one so the bow sprit pole needs to be longer. The pole is special with a second pipe inside for stiffness. The bow ring for the pole to run thru was put on at the factory during building.
Moving the pole from side to side helps point up better.
To accomidate the pressure of the A spinniker you probably need 2 running backstay's
http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm42 ... 8013-1.jpg and
http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm42 ... s08014.jpg ( that is Todd's knees the owner BWY )
also to control the increased power they swiched wintches to self tailing wintches and use a power tool instead of a wintch handle. This is BWY's custom boat and it is for sale now.

[bastonjock]

bubba is that pole and rigging an off the shelf item?

[bubba]

No, not off the shelf. It is a high performance setup by Blue Waters Yachts in Seattle Wa and the bow ring was added at the factory at conception of the boat, along with a special 550 lb torpedo added to the bottom of a special daggerboard and a special 6 to 1 pullie system http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm42 ... s08009.jpg http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm42 ... s08004.jpg and self tailing wintch with power tool assist for raising it http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm42 ... s08005.jpg . The normal fixed balast weight has been removed and unless the weather is rough they dont use the water ballast. The trailor was modified to fit the torpedo at loading.

[bubba]

Does anyone use a std spinniker with a spinniker pole ??

[bubba]

I guess no down wind spinniaker sailors out there except my wife and I. In a 12 mph breeze ours lifts the front of the boat and we sail really smooth over 3 to 5 ft swells all day long with very good speed.

[beene]

Ah yes.... but can you do that with a drink in one hand and your Admiral in the other?



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