Dave, John, … After reviewing procedures for rigging and launching PocketShip’s spinnaker, it’s apparent to this solo sailor that the procedure set out by John has the greater advantage for a solo sailor. Having deployed
Tattoo’s spinnaker only with a mate at the helm and myself working the spinnaker – I can report that jibing is a huge handful! Sailing solo the spinnaker could be launched quickly enough to regain the helm before going off course too much. But I wouldn’t want to jibe her (sailing solo). So, I would say, the more elaborate set up requiring two sheets (about 3x the length of one) and a crew would only be worth it for a serious racing crew.
In preparing my own procedural notes I take it (from John’s setup) that “The tack outhaul must be led OUTSIDE the shrouds, as shown [#2 diagram]” means that the tack outhaul should be
led forward of the shrouds as opposed to
abaft of them. With this understanding, I have revised (a copy) of John’s #2 diagram to show the port-side shroud as well as the jib sheet. Have I got it right?
- Diagram #2 showing positions of port-side shroud and jib sheet . .
- Spinnaker A15.jpg (45.53 KiB) Viewed 12508 times
I would make two other notes regarding the deployment procedure. First, the spinnaker halyard [shackle end] should come down on the same side of the jib stay from which the spinnaker is deployed. This also means that when dousing – and redeploying on the other side (so as to jibe) – the halyard shackle should be removed from the spinnaker head and [the halyard] passed over the jib stay so as to come down on the other side for reattachment to the spinnaker head. Second, when attaching the outhaul shackle to the spinnaker tack – be careful that it is brought OVER the jib sheet. This may seem obvious, but when deploying the spinnaker, the jib is usually furled and the sheets just taut – and they rise up at a fairly steep angle from the cabin roof – and it’s easy to go the wrong way (
i.e., under them).
I’ll call this John’s Spinnaker Setting Procedure and keep a copy of it for use on
Tattoo – whether sailing solo or with a crew. But for those who might want to use the more elaborate “Spinnaker Setup -- Jibing Without Dousing,” I’ve made a few changes that clarify some points. Just request an updated copy by email.