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 drifter/reacher vs asymmetrical spinnaker		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Capricorn
Deckhand

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Canada
12 Posts
Initially Posted - 10/15/2010 :  12:14:40  Show Profile
I sail solo 90% of the time, on inland waters. Any advice on which of these sails would work best.Is a"drifter" just a smaller version of the spinnaker? I notice that drifter cloth is 1.5 oz. vs .75 oz. in a spinnaker. Advice appreciated, thanks
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windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts
Response Posted - 10/15/2010 :  13:46:35  Show Profile
It depends. What size genoa(s) do you carry? What are your wind conditions usually?
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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts
Response Posted - 10/15/2010 :  14:27:19  Show Profile
A drifter is cut like a deep genoa, it goes to weather and tacks like a genoa. I have had several and loved them for single handing.
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts
Response Posted - 10/15/2010 :  14:38:30  Show Profile
First, there are two primary types of spinnaker--symmetric and asymmetric. A drifter is made out of light, nylon spinnaker fabric (often in colors) and shaped like a large genoa (like 175%), only somewhat fuller, for more power in very light air. Some are hanked on, some are flown "loose" with just a halyard and a tack connection to the stem of the boat (for simple set-up). Because of its fullness, the drifter will not point quite as high as a standard genny. (But in very light air, you don't want to point too high anyway.) It can help down-wind, with or without a pole, partly because of its full shape and lighter sheets.

An asymmetric spinnaker is similar, but fuller-cut for more power down-wind and up to about a beam reach, and down-wind is generally flown with a pole. It is generally built for heavier air than the drifter. "Cruising" spinnakers are variations on the asymmetric, generally designed to be flown without a pole, but also not designed for close-reaching. Symmetric spinakers are more complex to handle but provide the most power directly down-wind.

So the question is, do you want a sail for more power up <i>and</i> down wind in very light air, or something to improve performance off the wind only, in most "reasonable" conditions?
Edited by - Stinkpotter on 10/15/2010 14:41:39
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Bill Holcomb
Admiral

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USA
769 Posts
Response Posted - 10/16/2010 :  07:56:59  Show Profile
I have both a 155% Drifter and a 180% Cruising (asymetrical) Spinnaker on Snickerdoodle. And, both sails get use each year. However, the ratio of use is about 10 to 1 in favor of the Drifter. The Drifter sails well on all points of sail from close hauled to down-wind running. The Cruising Spinnaker will only point to almost a close reach and as far off the wind as broad reach.
My Drifter is hanked on to the forestay (yes, I'm still hanking on jibs); and I usually use 5mm lightweight sheets to trim with. The sail is made of 1.5 oz spinnaker cloth.
Here's a link to a photo of me sailing with both the Drifter and the Cruising Spinnaker up at the same time for a down-wind run. The Drifter is poled out with my wisker pole and deflects the breeze into the spinnaker. http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/photo/snickd2.jpg
Bill Holcomb - C25 Snickerdoodle #4839
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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.