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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Spinnaker basics

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kayest
Deckhand

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12 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/16/2006 : 13:44:05

I've owned my Cat 25 for over a year now (first boat) and I figure its time to try out the spinnaker thats been sitting in the basement. Problem is, I have no idea how to set it up. Here it is:

I assume this is a symmetrical spinnaker? What do I need to fly it? It didn't come with a pole. Do I need one? What are the attachment points on the boat? Can anyone point to a tutorial or pictures? Thanks in advance.

-Steve

Edited by - kayest on 07/16/2006 17:15:21

djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2006 : 14:43:03

Hi Steve, your pic did not come through. All I see is an red X. Cheers.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2006 : 15:40:45

If it is a symetrical spinnaker, take a look at my teck tip...

If it is asymetrical (probably the case if you didn't have a pole) then start by flying it like a big jib. Halyard to the head, sheet to the clew and attach the tack to the bowstem.

Lay it out on the grass.....if both luffs are the same length, you are symetrical

Edited by - Champipple on 07/16/2006 15:42:58

kayest
Deckhand

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12 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2006 : 17:20:00

Sorry for the bad picture link. I think its OK now.

I didn't pull out a tape measure but it looks pretty symmetrical. I will check the tech tips. This is probably a really stupid question, but can a symmetrical be flown like an asymmetrical?

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2006 : 17:42:57

That is a symmetrical radial head with a narrow foot, that makes it's pocket deep and the sail generally unstable. A pole will be required, (with up and down hauls to lock the tack height), and it will only perform on deep broad reaches and runs. These are difficult sails, you must keep the shoulders from collapsing and it should be flown with a good crew. It is kinda like the whomper. My last symmetrical was a tri-radial which had a flatter cut and could reach fairly high.

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2006 : 20:35:34

That's a cross cut symetrical sail. I disagree with Frank, that sail is not Unstable. They can be difficult to handle with untrained crew. I highly recommend getting someone on board who knows what is going on for the first few times. OR....start in less than 7 knots of wind and build up.

You should really use a pole and a setup as Frank Notes. Most of the information you will need is located in my tech tip.

I have, in the past flown one of these like a asymetrical, but you can't run down as far that way and if you head up to high, you stand a chance of being way, way overpowered.

To do this, tie a 3 or 4 foot line to the bow stem and attach the sail to it. The run your sheets outside of the forestay. You will need blocks as far aft as possible. (this might be a problem on the newer models where the jib track stops at about the cabin coaming.)

Feel free to email me directly with any questions.

Edited by - Champipple on 07/17/2006 20:38:43

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2006 : 21:52:35

Duane is the better source on this.

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3323 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2006 : 23:02:28

Or you could just pole out a 155% and run a broad reach...just as fast as a chute

Derek

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MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2006 : 11:55:37

(this might be a problem on the newer models where the jib track stops at about the cabin coaming.)

I have a couple of cleats at the back corners, could a couple of blocks be attatched to these to get a spinny sheet way back threre, or is that too far back?

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2006 : 12:30:44

No, actually that is about right. Make sure those cleats are backed with something to distribute the load. They weren't backed from the factory.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.