 Author
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Topic: Spinnaker Sailing (Read 1514 times)
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Shaun Hoffmann
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I would like to request someone post some techniques they find effective for handling downwind legs in regattas with 2 persons, skipper and one crew. This past weekend we found a number of issues in regards to this point of sail on my Flying Scot #337. First, with myself and one crew, I am learning to steer with the tiller between my legs, while flying the chute, during which time my crew has to gather the foot to douse and I release the spin halyard. Second, what size sheet works best for the on deck spin rigging. I currently think my sheets are to large. Third, how do you best keep the halyard from being hoisted all the way to the spin halyard block. My understanding is that it is to be 6 inches from a full hoist.
A detailed description of chute techniques would be appreciated!
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Kevin
Guest
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Great questions! I'm no pro but here's what I've learned:
Gybing - Skipper steers with tiller between knees and spin sheet in one hand and guy (the sheet held out by the pole) in the other. Skipper turns down to initiate the gybe. Crew, in this order, puts sheet in guy hook, throws boom accross (use both hands on the vang burchase), gybes jib, reaches up to the pole from the new windward side and move it from mast to windward sheet to make it the new guy, reach to leward and unhook the sheet from the guy hook. Skipper continues turning boat to new heading and crew takes the sheet and guy.
Takedown to windward side of boat - Skipper steers and takes spin sheet from crew. Skipper turns downwind slightly to make the takedown easire. Crew, in this order, reaches up to the pole and removes it from the mast and guy and stows it, skipper "free flys" the chute until crew grabs guy, calls for the sheet and halyard release, gobbles in the spinnaker and stows it, then trims the jib sheet and hikes. Skipper ensures that sheet and halyard run free and turns boat around leeward mark while trimming main sheet. Tips: run the tails of the sheet, halyard, and centerboard lines and lay them on the floor or seat where they can run free when released. Turn off the ratched block on the release side so the sheet runs easy. Make any mainsail and jib control adjustments (halyard tension outhaul) BEFORE the takedown.
I think 1/4" works best 40-45 feet depending on lead/clead arrangement. I prefer a floating line that doesn't absorb water.
Put a plastic ball stopper on your halyard and tie a figure eight knot about 10" from the end that attached to the spinnaker head. This will stop the hoist and leave the spin separated from the mast by the distance between the ball and your attachment knot.
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