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Spin vs. Non Spin Class

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HeelinPatrick
Navigator

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USA
102 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/16/2009 : 12:24:51

So, when you are in a race that has seperate divisions for spinnaker and non spinnaker boats, what determines which division you race in? Is it whether your boat can have a spinnaker, or whether you decide to fly it?

Patrick Moran
1981 SR/SK w/trailer
#2303 - "Chili Mas"
Lincoln, NE

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 09/16/2009 : 12:35:38

On ours you declare your class at the outset of the season. You can switch between classes, but you have to throw away all your previous results.

Another thing to check... Ask whether a DRS Sail (Drifting/reaching Spinnaker, AKA Asymmetric, AKA Gannaker, AKA drifter) is allowed in the whitesail fleet. If you have one, you may be able to declare it and sail with the slower fleet, using that sail. I have one boat employing this tactic against me right now. It helps him in light air races, but hurts him when the wind kicks up too much for the sail.

Edited by - Prospector on 09/16/2009 14:29:55

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 09/16/2009 : 13:26:15

It depends on the sponsors of the races or regattas. Some clubs specify that you have to choose at the beginning of the season, some allow you to make a choice for each regatta, and my old club allowed you to choose at the time when you checked in with the race committee, at the start of each race. You should ask local racers or officials.

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 09/16/2009 : 16:39:32

In most races if you carry a spinnaker on board, you must race in the spin class.

In our San Diego All Catalina Association, we all race in one fleet. You declare at the end of the race if you flew it or not. If you did not fly it, you get a 19 second per mile non spinnaker offset added to your handicap.

The C25 loves the spinnaker and loves an asym. I am much faster relative to the other boats off the wind when up spin. The C25 does not point as high and gets killed by pinching compared to larger, heavier boats.

Non spin fleets are generally boats that are not as highly race prepped and not as well equipped.

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HeelinPatrick
Navigator

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USA
102 Posts

Response Posted - 09/17/2009 : 07:52:53

Thanks everyone. I should have mentioned, we are doing a regatta next weekend, and was thinking outloud if it would make sense to do a spinn class and non-spin class. Like was said, those flying the kite are generally more into racing, and thought would be good to group them together possibly, and is a reason to hand out some more trophies. I had no idea there all the variations of rules, but is good to know.

I'm getting some air time on my sym, had it up about 15-20 times. I can point up into the wind just a little, but doesn't go much faster than with a genoa. It's an older stretched out spinnaker too. Down wind, with good wind, wow, talk about fun. I'm still getting the hang of gybing, and so is my crew, so easy to get something messed up, but is fun learning.

If anyone wants to come, it's next weekend, can crew with me, or heck, can loan you my laser II, snipe, or hobie 16 to sail if you want to race yourself.

Pat

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 09/17/2009 : 08:12:02

Jim, at what windspeed does the spinnaker become ineffective? If I put a Gennaker up on my boat I would take a big hit on PHRF, and I don't think its worth it if our local conditions don't have enough light air days.

As is, I am outrunning a Bendytoe First 23.5 who is flying Gennaker and has a rating of 204 because of it. IMHO if he just had a 155% genoa his results would be about the same, and his rating would be a lot more forgiving. Especially with a boat so light, and the sail area he has.

My biggest sail is a Mylar Tapedrive 155%, and it seems more than adequate in most cases for our mixed whitesail fleet - its hard to catch up to the spin boats though (mostly Olsen 25's, Kirby 25's and a few Olsen 30's).

Edited by - Prospector on 09/17/2009 08:19:36

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/17/2009 : 09:00:45

I seriously doubt you'll catch an Olsen or a Kirby by flying a chute. Take the points.

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 09/20/2009 : 05:48:17

When racing downwind with white sails, you can improve your speed quite a bit by "playing the sails," especially the jib. What that means is that you trim the jibsheet in and out slightly with every slight windshift, puff and lull. If your sheet is cleated, you'll sail over the distance at an "average" speed. If you play the jibsheet, you'll sail at your maximum potential speed all the time. It makes a much bigger difference in shiftier winds. Often you can improve your speed downwind enough so that you can either keep pace with the spinnaker boats, or at least stay within striking distance of them on the next leg of the course.

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 09/20/2009 : 08:55:54

Steve is absolutely correct. I remember my first mentor telling me "there are no automatic transmissions on sailboats".
Especially on a beam reach you need to play that jib sheet like a virtuoso.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2009 : 06:29:32

Learned that trick this season, especially in light air. It has really worked well for us with the big 155% mylar.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.