Symmetric v Assymmeric Spinnakers

On the river where I learned to sail, a bowsprit would get stuck in a bush if you got close enough to the bank to be out of the current.

A lot of model yachts use a swing, or Balestron, rig where the boom carries on forward of the mast. The front of the boom swings out to windward as the main is eased. Normally they fly a jib off this forward bit of the boom, but you could fly a genny from it too. If the forward part of the boom was designed with the right flexibility it would bend off to leeward so that the tip was on the centreline when the boom was eased for a reach.

OK so you are obviosly someone who sails an a big water with lots of space. I have sailed both but my home club is a river venue where space is limited and sometimes all we have is a beat and a run so a traditional kite works for us. RS 200's were originally built to be able to goosewing with a pole and short bowsprit and that worked well on the river but as usual the majority decided it was a waste of time (they mostly sailed on open water). One of the first eurocup events in Amsterdam had both styles going down the run with some straight lining with the pole and some banging the corners, and we still all arrived together at the leeward mark. Would have been different in a blow I am sure. I bet if you ask a fireball or merlin owner if they want to go asymetric the answer will be an emphatic no.

 

One does wonder at the attractions of any kite on a small lake. Hence we sailed a Tasar. If I see a GP running dead down wind goose winged it makes the little kite seem pointless. However one early morning at Southport I remember a light tight reach the length of the lake. I flew the kite right on the edge, leach just  curling in, quick flick to correct. We were very light for the boat and we flew. That is when they feel so good. 

Originally posted by JimC ... One might ask why don't boards have spinnakers and so on so they can run deep [grin].