[MHml] a new downwind sail

[Joe Siudzinski]

If the requirement is for CRUISING downwind then my vote goes for any old
symmetrical spinnaker(s).

My three symmetrical spinnakers are all (I think) 0.75 oz, with the largest
being used up to 12kts true, the mid-sized one 12-20+ (keep waiting to see
it blow out when I'm lazy), and the baby one is often used at night and was
last pulled down rather anxiously in 33 knots true in the middle of the
night off the Oregon coast :-)

When cruising I always put down the mainsail when running - this avoids
mainsail chafe and gives a wonderful clean airflow to the chute. Each
spinnaker has its own snuffer, and is incredibly effortless to quickly
raise/lower (wife now loves spinnakers) - turning block at each bow, so the
largest chute is full height yet 'narrow'. Two small snuffer turning
'blocks' (at seagull striker and starboard pulpit) to keep the continuous
snuffer line captive and separated. No bowsprit and no additional headfoils
to clutter up the boat. The symmetrical chute is a very relaxing laid-back
configuration, and I have no problems singlehanding it.

Pulling the chute to one side or the other works ok for broad reaching (with
mainsail), although when reaching in the recent light airs I couldn't help
wishing for a LARGE genoa or asym/screacher since my working jib is quite
small.

Boatspeed when RUNNING is typically only a little over 1/3 true windspeed,
depending on bottom cleanliness (e.g. for us a typical value is around six
knots in 15 knots true). When running, if the wind drops to about five knots
true out comes the iron genny, anyway. :-)

Joe Siudzinski
-- 
http://www.KatieKat.net