Articles03/28/05: Dave Oakley et al: How do you attach the tack of an asymmetrical spinnaker?
I have experience in several issues you raised.
1-never consult your spouse on minor sailing purchases. How can you pass the
winter (I am in Albany NY) without buying needless stuff? With all due respect,
you could lose your leadership role in the association for things like that.
2- I attach my asy spinnaker (purchased during the winter for no good reason) w
a short length of line—about 5 feet or so. I put a loop in one end. I feed the
loop thru the cleat on the bow of the boat. That lets the sail flow about 4 feet
or so out from the bow. If you want to hold the sail in tight to the bow (such
as when you use the ATN tacker), just wind the extra line around the cleat—or
cleat it w the excess hanging—2 feet or so won’t get in the way of anything.
3. I did purchase an ATN tacker (the guy at sailwarehouse.com thought I was
nuts). I never use it but that doesn’t mean much.
4. I did purchase an ATN sleeve—which is quite useful. I often sail w only one
other person so the sleeve is great. I never used a spinnaker before so it
wasn’t like I already knew how.I highly recommend it. I think I got it from ATN
itself (not the sailwarehouse.com) it has to be cut to just the right size.
Let me know if you have more questions.
Dave Oakley
Ken, now you have done it. You will have to
become
a very good sailor, or you will die.
Go to THE SAIL WAREHOUSE WEB PAGE
"www.thesailwarehouse.com" and get a catalog. On page
39 they have "The Tacker". Just what you need. Also
get a "spinnaker sock", page 43. I had a spinnaker on
a MacGregor 26 classic (fractional rig), and tried to
fly it from the masthead. On my Capri 18 I went with
a 150% genoa, 7 oz. with a CDI fueler. Much less
work. I do not race at almost 77 years of age, but
you may like the added speed and danger the spinnaker
brings.
Good sailing:
Jerry
Dear C18 NA member:
Okay, I confess I ordered an asymmetrical spinnaker during the off season on
impulse *before* I knew how I'd rig it.
I've a roller furling jib and am wondering if:
I'll need another fitting to attach the tack to; and,
if I'll need the tacker (http://www.atninc.com/tacker.html).
On the off chance you're wondering what the sail maker suggests, he became
strangely indifferent once the credit card charge was authorized. I may be the
captain but my spouse is the owner. And I've unfortunately proven her oft
repeated refrain right again: 'Think before you buy.'
Any advice you can offer would be much appreciated.
Regards,
Ken
'Amazing Grace', Hull #333