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Spinakker for a C250

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Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/01/2008 : 22:38:54

Hi Guys,

I posted this in the C250 section but now think that I should've started here in this racing section. I want to buy a spinnaker for racing purposes and have a few questions regarding equipment and sizes. Basicaly it goes down to buying a Sym or Asym, what sizes and extra equipment I need to buy:

1. Asym or Sym? I understand the differences between the two but am struggling between the decsion of an easier to handle Asym or going with a slightly more advatageous speed Sym. Boat is going to be crewed by myself and my 14 year old who are both new to the sport. All other sail club members fly Syms.

2. For a Sym, what kind (and size) of pole do you recommend?

3. For an Asym do I need some kind of whisker pole?

4. What sizes of Sym or Asym do I need for my boat? A 1999 C250 WB standard rig.

5. Do I need a track on the mast with a car for connecting one end of the spinnaker pole? If so, what do I need?

Steve Blackburn, Calgary, AB
C250WB - 1999 - Hull 396

Edited by - on

SailCO26
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 09/02/2008 : 10:14:24

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Steve Blackburn
 1. Asym or Sym? I understand the differences between the two but am struggling between the decsion of an easier to handle Asym or going with a slightly more advatageous speed Sym.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">What kind of courses are sailed in your area? Triangles will tend to favor the asy as they are faster sailing hotter angles (closer to the wind), W/L the sym as they favor sailing deeper downwind.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Boat is going to be crewed by myself and my 14 year old who are both new to the sport. All other sail club members fly Syms.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Well now, that gets interesting. For shorthanded sailing, the asy is the way to go. However, if you're not limited to just the 2 of you on board, if everyone else is flying syms then you're best off to do the same - otherwise you'll always be sailing your own race.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">2. For a Sym, what kind (and size) of pole do you recommend?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">The longest that's class legal and lightest that you can afford. :)

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">3. For an Asym do I need some kind of whisker pole?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Nope. That's the point of an asy, no pole req'd. If you're having trouble keeping the kite full (where you'd think it's time to apply the whisker pole), you're sailing too deep. Take a course closer to the wind, build your speed. You'll sail farther, but faster (maximize VMG).

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">4. What sizes of Sym or Asym do I need for my boat? A 1999 C250 WB standard rig.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">If you're only getting one, get the biggest that's class legal and of a weight that will handle the highest wind speeds you're willing to fly it in. Chat with your sailmaker on this one.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">5. Do I need a track on the mast with a car for connecting one end of the spinnaker pole? If so, what do I need?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">You dont need a mast track, but it definitely helps. For different wind conditions you'll want to have the pole at different heights for the best trim/speed, but not everyone puts that much effort into it. We also run 2 cars, one at trim height and one at the deck - that way the trim car stays at operating height at all times, not up and down for every set/douse.

Jim

Edited by - on

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 09/02/2008 : 11:32:30

Hey Jim. Thanks for the info. Yes we are doing mostly W/L course. Only once have we done the Olympic (triangle) course this year and I saw the other racers put on there Asyms then. I think what I need to do is go with a Sym and find an extra person to crew. I'll go with only an eye on the mast for the moment and possible upgrade to a track with cars later as I get more refined. As far as sizes go, I'll check with my sailmaker and see what kind of pole I need (I'm going with Forspar as I heard so many good comments).

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 09/04/2008 : 13:48:59

The Racing rules dictate largest spin pole size. Diameter for these boats is usually 2 to 2.5 inches. The length should be your J dimension.

I'd look for a .75 or .5 ounce kite. Talk to your sailmaker about rigging, you'll need to add a bunch of stuff. I also wrote something about adding a kite to a c-25 that is still posted in the tech tips. It should still be mostly applicable to you.

Look for a used kite to play with too - J-24's work fairly well for this. There are a ton of them and they are pretty close to the size. Practice and rip that one a few times before you start messing with your new one.

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