Symmetrical Spinnakers

   Let's face it the symetrical kite does not increase the speed much unless you sail high enough that the pole has to be against the forestay.  So you might as well use an asymetric and sail a boat which is optimised for one.

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redback Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 16 Mar 04 Location: Tunbridge Wells Online Status: Offline Posts: 1502	Post Options Post Reply Quote redback Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Symmetrical Spinnakers Posted: 10 Aug 06 at 11:36pm
	Let's face it the symetrical kite does not increase the speed much unless you sail high enough that the pole has to be against the forestay. So you might as well use an asymetric and sail a boat which is optimised for one.

Garry Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 18 Apr 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 536	Post Options Post Reply Quote Garry Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 10 Aug 06 at 9:53pm
	Bags as well then... real baptism of fire Very different skills are required but to do well I think they both have their moments. Where the asymmetric scores is its much easier to teach relatively inexperienced crews and get some sort of sucess. However, if you go into the gybe badly in a decent breeze it doesn't matter what type of spinnaker you have you're in for a swim! You have to be really careful with using winsurfing harness (definately not recommended) on dinghies its very easy to seriously damage your lower back. Edited by Garry
	Garry Lark 2252, Contender 298 www.cuckoos.eclipse.co.uk

jeffers Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 29 Mar 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3048	Post Options Post Reply Quote jeffers Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 10 Aug 06 at 8:52pm
	The question is did you enjoy yourself and did you find it more rewarding than an assy? Symmetrical kites are much more demanding but I feel much more rewarding.
	Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74

m_liddell Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 27 May 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 583	Post Options Post Reply Quote m_liddell Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 10 Aug 06 at 8:10pm
	I have finally had a go with a symmetrical spinnaker after sailing only asymmetrics. I have new respect for crews and helms sailing conventionally spinnakered boats the gybing and hoisting is not that easy! As a the helm steering with your knees in waves and trying to fly it with sheet in one hand and guy in the other while the crew sorts the pole is a skill. It probably didn’t help that was being talked through everything by a Bulgarian who didn’t speak any English. This coupled with having to use a windsurfing seat harness, blowing F5, knackered boat, and with lighting flashing down occasionally made for an exciting first 470 sail. Edited by m_liddell