RS500 Spinnaker Drops

   I am having problems with dropping the spinnaker on my new to me RS500. 
I am rigging it on the starboard side as per the LDC manual and it hoists ok. However when I come to drop it, even when on port gybe (eg kite to leeward of jib) it is almost impossible to get it down into the chute.......I am finding it totally impossible if on the starboard gybe and having to drag it around the forestay before going down the chute...........I am taking care to take in the slack on the down haul before dumping the halyard, as without that I was just dropping the kite into the water!
So, what am I doing wrong? My boat is one of the earlier ones so were there any improvements in how either the halyard or sprit out haul or down haul were rigged?

Thanks for any help on this!!

Mark

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Saraband Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 19 Jun 13 Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Post Options Post Reply Quote Saraband Report Post Quote Reply Topic: RS500 Spinnaker Drops Posted: 20 Jun 13 at 12:22am
	I am having problems with dropping the spinnaker on my new to me RS500. I am rigging it on the starboard side as per the LDC manual and it hoists ok. However when I come to drop it, even when on port gybe (eg kite to leeward of jib) it is almost impossible to get it down into the chute.......I am finding it totally impossible if on the starboard gybe and having to drag it around the forestay before going down the chute...........I am taking care to take in the slack on the down haul before dumping the halyard, as without that I was just dropping the kite into the water! So, what am I doing wrong? My boat is one of the earlier ones so were there any improvements in how either the halyard or sprit out haul or down haul were rigged? Thanks for any help on this!! Mark

Oatsandbeans Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 19 Sep 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 382	Post Options Post Reply Quote Oatsandbeans Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 20 Jun 13 at 7:34am
	Yes, you are right it can be difficult get the spinnaker in when it is being pulled around the forestay fitting into the chute. The only answer that I have found is pull harder on the retrieval line, (or shout louder at the crew if you are helming). Tapeing up the junction of the jib tack and forestay fitting can help a bit. It is probably better to put the haliyard on the starboard side as you are usually on port when dropping the spinnaker so it will be an easier drop, and on the hoist having it to windward is not an issue. Sometimes if it is completely stuck I will pass the retrival line to the helm and go forward and clear it but this is a bit tricky in a breeze.

Telltale Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 03 May 12 Location: Cardiff Online Status: Offline Posts: 169	Post Options Post Reply Quote Telltale Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 20 Jun 13 at 7:38am
	Can't talk for the 5 as only sailed on on hols, but on the 2000 the forestay is tied off at the base of the mast, (jib halyard holding the mast up), I'll look for a pic of the RS 500 to see.

Mister Nick Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 01 Aug 09 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 389	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mister Nick Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 20 Jun 13 at 8:24am
	The spinnaker is really easy to drop on my 500. We found that taping up all the slack in the bottom of the jib and spraying sailkote over the kite and the jib made it easier. Do that, and then just try pulling harder. You'll find that once it goes over 'the bump', it'll all just shoot in really easily. If you're really struggling after that, try windward takedowns. Just pull on the lazy sheet, get the clew of the kite around the forestay and then drop it. Should make it easier, although in a breeze I wouldn't recommend it unless you know you can get it right. You shouldn't have to do that anyway, I don't think there was any change in how the halyard and retrieval line are rigged.

iGRF Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 11 Location: Hythe Online Status: Offline Posts: 6499	Post Options Post Reply Quote iGRF Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 20 Jun 13 at 8:51am
	We found you have to steer the nose into the direction of the kite even to the point of risking a crash gybe, it's a habit I still have with the Alto from the days of learning RS500 drops on the 'wrong' side, I agree it is a bit tight, they never seem to make the kite chute openings big enough on any of these stupid boats. I also used to spray the kite with that slippy stuff, forget even what it's called, it's useful to spray on your competitors boat where the crew is going to stand, makes for a more interesting competition..
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alstorer Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 02 Aug 07 Location: Cambridge Online Status: Offline Posts: 2899	Post Options Post Reply Quote alstorer Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 20 Jun 13 at 9:35am
	all spinnaker drops, regardless of whether you have a chute for retrieval or you're bagging, should be done on at least what would be called on an RYA course a "training run"- that is, not quite a dead run, but certainly below hot angles. much easier if the spinnaker is able to blow forward, not sideways, and the main blanketing it helps as well. The key is to do this as quickly as possible, so that you spend a short period in the low and slow mode.
	-_ Al

iGRF Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 11 Location: Hythe Online Status: Offline Posts: 6499	Post Options Post Reply Quote iGRF Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 20 Jun 13 at 9:45am
	Nobody cares how washerwomen go about their household duties..
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transient Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 21 Aug 12 Online Status: Offline Posts: 715	Post Options Post Reply Quote transient Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 20 Jun 13 at 10:48am
	As above and: You say the 500 is new to you, how old is the kite? Not sure if this applies to you but but worth a mention. Older spinnakers get absorbent and heavy. This can make a big difference to the ease of hoists and drops. There are products out there that will re water proof the material and reduce the friction.

Ian29937 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 25 May 05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 409	Post Options Post Reply Quote Ian29937 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 20 Jun 13 at 12:06pm
	Try proofing the kite with Holmenkol Seal n Glide or the Nikwax equivalent

PhilHigh Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 17 Jan 09 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote PhilHigh Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 20 Jun 13 at 12:46pm
	The key is to get the first few pulls fast and smooth. The aim is to get the spinnaker patches round the jib before they all clump up. Make sure the helm keeps the boat nice and stable so you have a nice platform to drop from. Have a look at the halyard as well, a nice smooth running halyard helps no end. We also rig are spinnaker on the port side of the boat. This has the advantage on a typical port rounding W/L course that the usual starboard hoist does not have to go around the jib.