MacGregorSailors.com

Just curious of those of u all who use a spinnaker who makes a good affordable one with a sock.... I've noticed when on vacation I always pick the lightest days to go snorkeling in the keys which of course makes the water clarity good and swimming conditions/waves good but I hate the fact that the boat now wont move at all or so slow it renders my boat useless under sail.... while I do love waiting for higher winds to go sailing if I'm going to go trolling offshore for fish or snorkeling at the reefs a few miles out I usually wait till I see 1ft swells on wavefinder which usually means little to no wind so it got me considering a spinnaker but I'm a total rookie and have no idea what I'm doing with a spinnaker and have some learning to do with the added dangers and how to avoid them.... I prob would add a sock to it to help if winds come up but in reality I've not gotten caught in a squall in many years that I didnt purposely go into so I feel I've gotten good at reading weather and being diligent to check my weather apps

If you're single-handing, a sock is the only way to go, IMO. Even in light air, a big, lightweight spinnaker can be a handful. Being able to dowse it completely with the sock allows you to leave it hoisted on the halyard but not flying, so you can take your sweet time bringing it down through the forward hatch.

My sock is too short. It should be as long as the luff (an asymmetric spinnaker has only one luff), even though some sources recommend it being shorter. I don't agree. But that's me.

Interesting article on a Symmetrical Spinnaker, as opposed to an Asymetrical Spinnaker. Not an answer to your post, but you did state that you are a total rookie, and have no idea what you are doing.

Ray

https://www.sailingworld.com/symmetric- ... ow-control

I think I meant asymmetrical spinnaker as those are more geared for rookies like myself lol

Sounds like you need a Generator from Peak Sails, sort of a hybrid spinnaker or a Genoa on steroids as they describe it.

I presume its just a very light weight Genoa with a bit more belly cut into it.

https://www.peaksailsna.com/the-generator/

The only time I get to go to the keys is July so most days there is VERY little wind (except for the daily or 2x daily squalls) I usually time my farthest trips offshore ...15 miles offshore fishing when I see weather forecast for the smallest swells waves which usually then translates to 5kt winds.... so not really sure if the gennaker is enough sail for what I want??....I'd be happy with 3kt speeds

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gennaker. Also known as an asymmetrical spinaker.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinnaker

The spinaker is for sailing“ off” the wind, or down wind.

The Genaker is for sailing down wind, at least that’s what the posted sites say.

Ray

You sure?

Tomfoolery wrote:If you're single-handing, a sock is the only way to go, IMO. Even in light air, a big, lightweight spinnaker can be a handful. Being able to dowse it completely with the sock allows you to leave it hoisted on the halyard but not flying, so you can take your sweet time bringing it down through the forward hatch.

My sock is too short. It should be as long as the luff (an asymmetric spinnaker has only one luff), even though some sources recommend it being shorter. I don't agree. But that's me.

I gotta disagree with u Tom here,s the best way to fly a kite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCTPo03BiBI


J
PS now u just gotta love that design on that drifter

Jimmyt wrote:You sure?

I,d go with a Drifter on a furler
Drifter Sail
A Drifter is a full-draft, lightweight nylon No. 1 genoa that does away with the frustration and aggravation of sailing in light air. Drifters are a hybrid designed specifically for cruising sailors. Its wind range is from 1-15 knots when the apparent wind angle is 30-90 degrees.

J

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-Eeta6z5Yw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHh0ySnu7RQ

I have my Drifter on a top-down Profurl furler

J

Drop Judy B a PM, or email. She is a sponsor of this forum and I have not heard of a dissatisfied customer. She knows sails and Macgregors. Her website: Hyde Sails Direct

~Rich

Do you want symmetrical or asymmetrical, (sometimes referred to as a "genacker"). If you have a large body of water near you, there is probably a sailmaker near.Never bought from Judy B, but as mentioned, a lot of happy folks and you have a go to live person. At one time Hyde was supplier for Venture/Mac factory. Freedom original main and jib are Hyde, no complaints. Also, BWY. North, Hood, etc. have been around since the Spanish Armada, but they sell gently used chutes. Just give them your make/model, measurements and they will see what they have in stock. Steer clear of one offs. Anybody with a sewing machine and a garage can claim to be a sailmaker.

Nice

Highlander wrote:

Tomfoolery wrote:If you're single-handing, a sock is the only way to go, IMO. Even in light air, a big, lightweight spinnaker can be a handful. Being able to dowse it completely with the sock allows you to leave it hoisted on the halyard but not flying, so you can take your sweet time bringing it down through the forward hatch.

My sock is too short. It should be as long as the luff (an asymmetric spinnaker has only one luff), even though some sources recommend it being shorter. I don't agree. But that's me.

I gotta disagree with u Tom here,s the best way to fly a kite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCTPo03BiBI


J
PS now u just gotta love that design on that drifter

This looks to be a standard macgregor assymetrical on ebay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/sail-spinnaker ... oH&vxp=mtr