Larger Spinnaker Evaluation

I ordered a spinnaker 1 meter longer and rather flat. The shape of it is radically different form the one I can see on the Danish picture. I hoisted the spinnaker .5 meter higher on the mast and set the pole .5 meter lower and we had a go in light winds conditions, 0 to 6 knots only. We were not too confident since the pole tended to sky along the mast very easily with the current downhaul and guy settings which we had not changed.

We sailed a race course against another 5o5 but only reaching and running legs. What is good (and fun) :

• the boat was able to plane even in this very light wind

• steering is different since it is by far more efficient to have the helm keeping the kite full by steering (luffing or bearing away) and the crew does not touch the sheet.

• we were faster downwind than the other 5o5 and significantly

What is not so good :

• visibility downwind is terrible and we may have to get a special window in the lower part

• As soon as the wind builds up the pole skies very easily

• Straight downwind performance is almost not affected

• Because of the flat shape of the beast, it is easy for the kite to luff and suddenly collapse, and you lose several boatlength each time and dump your crew in the water (there is no forgiveness)

• I am not sure you can fly this spinnaker in 20 knots as well as light breeze

Recommendations:

1. 1 meter longer is too probably too much, I would like to try .7 and the pole hook on the mast being lowered by .3 instead of .5 with the following benefits :

   • better downwind visibility

   • better pole control

2. continue to experiment in stronger winds and race against other skiffs to see if we can match their level or performance

3. make it possible to hoist a normal spinnaker if the wind increase

Well hope the above can help.

I will seek to try to make additional attempts here in the UK with my new boat.

Kind regards
Jean-Baptiste

FRA7931, GBR8704