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Section 16

Spinnaker Handling

Foreguy. A line led from the foredeck to a spinnaker pole Spinnaker Net. A web of light line hung in the foretriangle to limit its upward swing. to prevent a spinnaker wrap where the spinnaker wraps itself around the forestay.

1 A properly set and trimmed spinnaker makes a boat a 2 Symmetrical spinnakers have equal length luffs. The pleasure to sail. It adds speed, balances the boat, and strongest and most common construction is of the tri- lends excitement and beauty to downwind sailing. Spin- radial design. Tri-radial spinnakers orient the stress loads nakers are large billowy, colorful, parachute type sails in each corner toward the thread line. This matching of used for increased speed in downwind sailing. They strength to line greatly inhibits stretch. The sail main- come in many shapes and sizes. Spinnakers are either tains its intended shape in various wind strengths and symmetrical, asymmetrical, or oversized genoa shaped. directions. The symmetrical, tri-radial is an all-around Spinnakers are normally made from lightweight 3/4 oz. spinnaker. nylon. Some specialty chutes are 1/2 oz. for light air or 1.5 or 2.2 oz. for smaller sized heavy air spinnakers. 3 For strength and shaping reasons, the tri-radial design is Head likewise the preferred cut for the asymmetrical spinnaker. The asymmetrical spinnaker however, has unequal length sides, Figure 16–1. This sail has a designated tack and a designated clew. Asymmetrical spinnakers are generally used for reaching and broad reaching conditions.

4 If you have roller furling and you want to fly an asym- metrical - you need some way for it to go around the furled fore sail. Well - parrel beads will let you do that. They roll up or down the furled sail so you can adjust the height of the tack.

5 Cruising spinnakers are usually asymmetrical in shape and are normally set without a spinnaker pole and attached at the tack similar to the genoa but raised 12 to 18 inches/30 to 45 centimeters. One trademark name is Gennaker® while another is the Flasher®. Many sailmakers offer their own type of cruising spinnakers.

Clew

Tack

Figure 16–1 Asymmetrical Spinnaker

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Head Lee rail, Bow pulpit, Clew Base of mast (usually on a daysailer).

Clew 7 The spinnaker is flown outboard of all other headsails and the standing rigging. The halyard and sheets must be carefully rigged and carefully checked to absolutely ensure that they pass outboard of the shrouds and head- stay when the sail is raised.

8 The control lines on the sail are the halyard and two sheet lines. The windward line attached to the spinnaker is called the guy, or more precisely the afterguy. The line attached to the leeward clew is the sheet. Figure 16–2 Spinnaker Turtle 9 The spinnaker pole can have two designs, either end- Rigging the Spinnaker for-end (Figure 16–4) or dip jibe (Figure 16–5). These 6 Spinnakers are stored in specially designed bags, called two terms relate to the method of jibing to be used. Each turtles (Figure 16–2), or in long bags, called, spinnaker pole has its own set of control lines. A topping lift raises socks. The spinnaker is rigged differently from the main- the pole. In rigging the pole, there must be a provision sail and jib because it is not attached along the luff. The for holding the outboard end of the pole down when the spinnaker is attached at only three points: head, clew, and spinnaker is filled. This can be accomplished by leading tack. The sail is typically launched from a spinnaker bag the windward spinnaker sheet through a deck mounted (turtle). Figure 16–3 illustrates a procedure for packing guy hook located just abaft the windward chain plate or, a spinnaker prior to use. In preparation for setting the alternatively, by using a foreguy, Figure 16–6. The pole spinnaker, the packed spinnaker turtle is attached to the also has a trip line to free the after guy when jibing. deck at one of several locations, for example: A. Spinnaker Being Pulled Through Tube Clews Rubber Head Together Hold Luffs Together Band

6" TO 10" Tube With Thin Rubber Bands Pull Spinnaker Through Tube, Securing With Rubber Bands at About 2 Foot Intervals

B. Spinnaker Pulled Through and Ready to Pack

C. Spinnaker Packed and Ready for Re-use Stuff into Turtle From Center Outward to Head and Clews

Figure 16–3 Packing a Spinnaker

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Mast Spinnaker Tack

Topping Lift Bridle

Trip Line

Guy Mast Ring

Foreguy Bridle

Figure 16–4 End-for-end Spinnaker Pole

Figure 16–5 Dip Jibe Spinnaker Pole

10 The spinnaker head and clews are connected to the hal- yard and sheets, respectively, and the pole attached and raised so that it is level. The outboard end fitting of the spinnaker pole is snapped around the guy, jaws up, so that the guy runs freely thorough the fitting. The topping lift and foreguy (pole downhaul) are connected to the spinnaker pole, the inboard end of the pole connected to the “D” ring on the mast, and the pole raised until it is horizontal. To help hold the pole in a fixed position, a trimming line may be added to pull against the foreguy prior to raising the spinnaker, Figure 16–7.

11 The lines connected to the sail are rechecked before raising the spinnaker to ensure that the connections are secure, that all three lines run outside the shrouds and jibstay and are not fouled.

Figure 16–6 Rigging of Spinnaker Pole

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Setting the Spinnaker Trimming the Spinnaker 12 The spinnaker set is planned so that the spinnaker will 15 Three basic rules exist for spinnaker trimming: be hoisted in the lee of the mainsail. The head of the sail is attached to the spinnaker halyard; the clew to the a) Set the pole angle. This adjustment is controlled by sheet and the tack to the guy. All three attachments are the afterguy. With the wind aft of a relative bearing made with the spinnaker still in the bag. This is done to of 120o set the pole perpendicular to the apparent protect the sail from the wind and premature release. wind. Use the shroud telltales or masthead fly to identify the apparent wind direction. On a tighter o 13 The spinnaker sometimes tries to wrap itself around the reach with the apparent wind forward of a 120 headstay during a set or a jibe. Wraps can be prevented by relative wind, set the pole 75-80 degrees in rela- having the jib up during spinnaker sets and takedowns. tion to the apparent wind. Never let the pole ride Hoist the spinnaker on a reach rather than going directly on the headstay. downwind. b) Set the pole height. The topping lift and foreguy 14 Upon command, hoist the sail quickly in the lee of control this adjustment. On a symmetrical spin- mainsail. The guy is trimmed and cleated. The sheet is naker the clew and tack should be level. Some then trimmed to fill the spinnaker. The jib is roller furled exceptions to this general rule exist. In light air or dropped so that it does not block the wind from the the outboard end of the pole may be raised to get spinnaker, Figure 16–8. the sail further away from mainsail shadow. In heavier air lower the outboard end to depower the

Foreguy (Pull Down)

Spinnaker Turtle

Spinnaker Spinnaker Pole Sheet Spinnaker Guy Spinnaker Halyard

Trimming Line (Pole Back) Wind To Help Hold the Pole In a Fixed Position, Use a Trimming Line To Pull Against Foreguy Prior To Raising the Spinnaker Figure 16–7 Rigging the Spinnaker

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Center of Effort best boat speed and safety do not cleat it. When in doubt, let Center of Effort of Spinnaker it out. Good spinnaker trimming of Mainsail requires practice and concentra- tion.

16 Spinnaker trim is the re- Foreguy sult of teamwork between the trimmer and helmsman. This interaction is an art needing a practiced eye. In short-handed Leech situations, a helmsman can steer Preventer to keep a curl, but always be prepared to release and retrim the spinnaker sheet. Carry Curl on Luff Jibing the Spin- Spinnaker Pole naker 17 On small boats, end-for- end spinnaker pole jibes are made, while on larger boats, Mainsheet when the gear becomes larger and heavier, dip pole jibes are Sheet usually made. It will be assumed that the jib is either dropped Afterguy or roller furled before the ma- neuver starts, although in most instances a jib will not be flown concurrently with a spinnaker.

18 As with any jibe, prepara- Wind tion is absolutely necessary. To make an end-for-end spinnaker Figure 16–8 Running with Spinnaker Set pole jibe, head the boat directly downwind Figure sail and make control easier. With an asymmetrical 16-10. Set the pole square (perpendicular) to the wind sail the pole would be lower. with the spinnaker filled. The crew flying the spinnaker has both the sheet and guy in hand and is prepared to c) Sheet for a medium curl. Ease the sheet—the sail trim as necessary to keep the spinnaker filled. Upon com- will curl before it collapses. It is easy to keep the mand, the foredeck crew disconnects the pole from both spinnaker filled if it is overtrimmed. However, the mast and the guy. What was previously the mast end trimmed in this manner, the sail is inefficient and of the spinnaker pole is moved to leeward and connected boat speed suffers. The spinnaker should be flown to the new guy, taking care to keep the pole level and not with the sheet eased until the luff curls, indicating collapse the spinnaker. The foredeck crew then connects the beginning of collapse. At that instant, trim it the loose end of the pole (the previous guy end) to the to stabilize the curl, and then ease it again in a mast. At the same time, the main is being trimmed and continuing cycle of easing and trimming so that the course altered to jibe. In a smooth continuing maneuver, spinnaker is never overtrimmed. Sheet in slightly, as the mainsail is jibed, the spinnaker crew trims the a curl is a good sign the sail is not overtrimmed. new guy and eases the old guy (now the sheet) to help Sailing with a medium curl is the best answer. For the spinnaker move out from behind the jibed mainsail’s shadow to the new windward side. The spinnaker crew

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trims the guy to bring the pole square to the wind and Spinnaker cleats it. The mainsail is eased and reset. The spinnaker crew resumes continuous trimming and easing to ensure optimum trim. These steps are shown in Figure 16–9. The dip pole jibe begins the same as above except that when Sheet the spinnaker is squared before the bow, the outboard end of the pole is released from the old guy, the topping Pole lift is eased, and the end of the pole is dipped and swung Mainsail under the jib stay to the other side of the bow. There the Out To bowman pulls the new guy into the jaws of the pole fit- Starboard ting, shouts “MADE,” and the spinnaker pole, topping Guy lift, guy and sheet are retrimmed. The new guy is easily pulled in if a sail tie was looped around it while it was 3 still functioning as a sheet. The skill of the helmsman and the teamwork of the crew are crucial in performing these maneuvers safely, particularly in brisk winds. Spinnaker 19 Jibing the asymmetrical spinnaker is different. Either of two methods can be used. The idle sheet must be rigged so that it passes in front of the headstay, and during a jibe the spinnaker is swung around in front of the headstay and trimmed inside out on the new tack. Alternately, walk or pull the sheet around between the forestay Pole and the tack of the sail and trim the new sheet, Figure Attached 16-11. To Both Clews 20 Tacking downwind is really a set of planned jibes to maximize the apparent wind and faster boat speeds on angular directions. Mainsail Swings 2 Dousing the Chute Across 21 Dropping the spinnaker depends on how it is rigged. Without a spinnaker sock, spinnaker takedowns are ac- complished with the spinnaker in the lee of the mainsail by pulling the clew in to the leeward rail. When the clew is in hand, the guy is released and the foot gathered Spinnaker smartly. The halyard is uncleated and paid out as the sail is taken into the cockpit. Take care not to lose either end of the halyard. Caution is required to keep the sail in the boat and out of the water. With a spinnaker sock, bring Mainsail the sail into the lee of the main and pull down the sock. The sock contained spinnaker is then gathered in as the halyard is paid out. Pole Sheet Out To 1 22 As with any other operation on a boat, clean up and get Port the spinnaker repacked ready for another use. When Guy packing a spinnaker in a turtle, keep both luffs together and pack the belly of the sail, paying particular attention to not having twists and that all three corners are ready to rehoist. Figure 16–9 End-for-end Spinnaker Jibe

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Port Port Spinnaker Spinnaker Sheet Sheet

Starboard Starboard Spinnaker Spinnaker Sheet Sheet

Outside Jibe Inside Jibe

Pull on Port Sheet, Pull on Port Sheet Which Runs Forward of Which Runs Between the The Spinnaker Luff Forestay and the Tack of the Spinnaker

Asymmetrical Asymmetrical Spinnaker Spinnaker Forestay Forestay

Sprit Sprit

Port Port Spinnaker Spinnaker Sheet Sheet Starboard Starboard Spinnaker Sheet Spinnaker Sheet

Figure 16–10 Inside and Outside Jibes of an Asymmetrical Spinna-

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Heavy Air Considerations on beam and broad reaches, and raised 70%-80% while 23 Keeping the spinnaker under control at all times is very running. This technique changes the center of lateral important. Earlier, it was noted that depowering the chute resistance. The practical result is that on a reach the boat was achieved by choking down on the pole. Moving the will plane easier, have less weather helm, and, if hit by sheet lead forward will also help control the spinnaker a large gust, will slide off to leeward instead of perhaps in nearly running conditions. When reaching with the capsizing. The same effects are apparent while running. relative wind from 120o to 150o, easing the pole forward Never raise the board all the way. The small amount in will give sail trimming more forgiveness. This approach the water helps with the tracking of the boat downwind always gives the helmsman a wider groove to sail. This in heavy seas or wind. method is also excellent in shorthanded situations. How- ever, douse the chute before getting in trouble. Summary

25 Downwind sailing can be a fast point of sail. The tech- Other Downwind Sailing Methods niques with spinnakers can yield a very exhilarating 24 Straight lines may not be the fastest route. When sailing experience. As with all else, practice will sharpen your off the wind an old adage holds true. Head off in the skills. The spinnaker should be flown with the sheet puffs and head up in the lulls. This increases apparent eased until the luff curls. In heavy air, depower the chute wind in the lulls and accelerates the boat in the puffs. In by lowering the spinnaker pole. Easing the pole forward a centerboard boat, the board should be raised 40%-60% when reaching will assist with the sail trimming.

Allowing Spinnaker to Fall Behind Mainsail Reduces Overall Projected Area of Sailplan; Helps to Depower Spinnaker

Pole Position Forward In Heavy Air

Pole Position Aft In Medium Air With Flat Water

Wind

Figure 16–11 Heavy Air Handling

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Homework: Section 16: Spinnaker Handling Name ______1. When running with the spinnaker up, the: a) luff is never allowed to curl. b) sheet is never pulled smartly. c) leeward edge is allowed to curl. d) spinnaker pole is perpendicular to the wind.

2. The spinnaker’s windward sheet is called the: a) foreguy. b) afterguy. c) preventer. d) downhaul.

3. To counter the lifting effect of a filled spinnaker, a ______can be rigged. a) preventer b) downhaul c) foreguy d) afterguy

4. The spinnaker pole should be set perpendicular to the apparent wind when the apparent wind has a relative bearing: a) less than 90 degrees. b) less than 120 degrees. c) greater than 90 degrees. d) greater than 120 degrees.

5. When jibing with the spinnaker set on an end-to-end pole, the first thing you must do is: a) ease the afterguy. b) head into the wind. c) head directly downwind. d) ease the spinnaker sheet.

6. Spinnakers usually are made of: a) light weight nylon. b) heavy weight nylon. c) light weight Dacron® to prevent stretch. b) heavy weight Dacron® to prevent stretch.

7. The outboard end fitting of the spinnaker pole is: a) not attached to the after guy. b) snapped around the after guy with the jaws facing up. c) snapped around the after guy with the jaws facing down. d) sometimes attached with the jaws facing up and sometimes down.

8. Spinnaker wraps around the headstay can be prevented by: a) having the jib up during spinnaker sets and takedowns. b) bringing the boat into the wind before raising the spinnaker. c) never having the jib up during spinnaker sets and takedowns. d) raising the spinnaker slowly watching to make sure it does not wrap.

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9. Immediately after hoisting the spinnaker the jib should be: a) left up to add sail area. b) left up in case the spinnaker collapses. c) left up or taken down at the option of the helmsman. d) dropped or furled to prevent it from blocking the spinnaker’s wind.

10. Spinnakers generally are used: a) in light air only. b) in heavy air only. c) only when the wind is directly behind the boat. d) in light to fairly heavy air depending on crew experience.

Sail