A spinnaker can replace the traditional genoa to boost speed sailing quarter to downwind, i.e. wind 90° to 180° away from the bow. The boom at luff-side can move freely, unlike a a gennaker (asymmetrical spinnaker), which is attached to a fixed bowsprit. Ideally this boom is positioned 90 degrees with the wind-direction, which make the gennaker only suitable for quarter winds.
Hauling & Lowering:
- First lower the genoa, then raise the spinnaker, so it can calmly take it's shape.
- Lower the spinnakker and raise the genoa simultaneously for fast manoeuvres.
Attention Points & Hints:
- Lead sheet & guy free outside stays, could be attached with barberhauler to stay for getting a better angle.
- No flemish eights in sheet & guy, so they can escape when loosing control.
- Run sheet & guy through the winch (single loop), then to the front, so someone could control spinnaker while positioned on the bow. (Only with calm weather, otherwise you shouldn't even consider putting up the spinnaker.)
- Keep the mainsail short, since it's the spinnaker giving speed anyway + you can avoid violent gybes.
- When easing the sheet too much, the luff will curl up, so haul the sheet slowly again.
- The spinnaker should pull the boat, this proper position can be arranged with the guy.
Folding the spinnaker:
- Start at tack or clew and fold up in the direction of the spinnaker head.
- Same for other side.
- Keep corners outside bag + put a rope through eyes.
