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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Spinnaker-v-Gennaker

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sdk
Deckhand

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4 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/11/2009 : 08:35:10

OK,
I have a '85 Catalina 25 swing keel and would like to add a Gennaker/Spnnaker since the area where I sail(the Potomac) tends to have very light winds during the summer and my 130% jib is often too heavy to work the light winds.

I don't necessarily want to add the whole whisker pole etc, partly because I single hand and dont want the extra "stuff" so I thought a Gennaker might work.

I'm not sure what I need, how to rig it or even if this is the best way to go.

I'm looking for any advice you all may have.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5904 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2009 : 10:17:02

A gennaker, also known as a cruising or asymmetrical spinnaker, would be a good choice for your purpose. To rig it, you should have an extra halliard to raise it, and a downhaul to adjust the tension on the luff. Both the head and the tack of the sail should be attached forward of the headstay. We had a discussion of the means of rigging it at the following hyperlink: http://catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=19352& SearchTerms=cruising spinnaker

I attached the tack of mine to an adjustable downhaul, so I can adjust the tension on the luff. You'll need extra long sheets for it. A chute scoop, also known as a spinnaker sock, isn't necessary, but it makes it much easier to raise and lower singlehanded.

Ebay is a good place to buy one, but you have to wait patiently until one comes up for sale that fits the C25, and then you have to submit a winning bid. Often, they are sold on Ebay with a chute scoop.

Edited by - on

Bill Holcomb
Admiral

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USA
769 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2009 : 10:30:03

I've owned an '85 C25 since she was a new boat. And, have a cruising spinnaker for her. It's set up just about how Steve notes above. In addition, I've got a 155% Drifter Jib. This jib is made out of 1.5 oz. spinnaker cloth (ripstop nylon). I still use hanks, so my drifter is hanked onto the forestay just like a "normal" jib. If you've got roller furling for the jib, you could rig a second halyard (like for the spinnaker) and hoist the drifter "flying" and not hank it on to the forestay. You'll only use the drifter in light winds - so luff sag isn't a problem.

The biggest advantage to the drifter is that it sails upwind just like any other jib. And still sails off the wind nearly as well as a cruising spinnaker.

Bill Holcomb - C25 Snickerdoodle #4839

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sdk
Deckhand

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4 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2009 : 10:48:24

Thanks for the good info all.

I do have a roller furler and was wondering how the tack would mount with the drum in the way. Im thinking a sheet run through a block on the bow (outside the pulpit) would work?

Also, I have a tall rig, so any suggestions on luff/leech/foot lengths and what weight of fabric should I look for?

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2009 : 09:54:59

I have attached a block at the stem fitting so that I can adjust the 4' steel cable (pennant) attached to the tack of my gennaker. Then with a line led back to the cockpit, I can adjust the height of the foot of the gennaker.

My gennaker came with the boat, and it has a dousing sock. This gennaker sock makes it straightforward to fly the sail single-handed if you can hold the boat on course and leave the helm for a minute or two and it makes it much safer, in my opinion.

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2009 : 10:12:02

from another post...

I like a large drifter to provide light air power with a 135 roller furling head sail. 170% or so, 2 or 3 oz ripstop, and no hanks. I would simply use a spare halyard to hoist it free of the forestay. In the conditions where this sail gets used, free flying the luff lets you really soften the shape and catch a lot of air. Here is a photo of mine in a turtle, note the glass conditions, I had just come in from sailing while others were bobbing.
edit: note the dual genoa cars, drifters rig like a genoa so the hardware is easy.

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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.