What size are your sheets? My Yankee has huge 3/4 inch sheets on my cutter. Thinking of going to ½ inch?
Also what size of spinnaker do you use? Or should I look at something else?I really need a light air sail for downwind work.
Leo
On my cutter I think I have 5/8" sheets for the Yankee. WAY overkill, but I really do like the way larger line feels in my hands.
As for a spinnaker. I bought the FX09 size asymmetrical from FXsails.com. I use a sock for launches and douses, and a ATN tacker around the furled head sail.
Spinnaker FX09 Luff = 46' 899 sq ft. 1.5 oz.
//http://www.thesailstore.com/spinnakers.php
](//http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/kevinbarbr/1101061527.jpg)
Kevin,
Do you find the size and fabric of the spinnaker to be about right? I have looked around and some sail makers recommend 1050 or more sq feet of area, some show .75 oz fabric some 1.5oz.
Leo
Yes-
I am more than happy with the size and weight. I don't think I would want it much bigger. 900 sq ft. is pretty huge, you would be surprised. I wouldn't go much longer on the luff length. You want to be able to pull down the luff as far as possible when you are on a beam or even close reaching with the sail. If the luff is too long you will never get a good sail shape. In the previous picture, I have the sail sheeted pretty tight on a close reach.
I also like the 1,5 oz cloth, much more forgiving for cruising, and still plenty light enough to stay full in 2 or 3 kts of wind. For the price, I have found the FX sail to be great quality, and a great design.
Just ordered an asymmetrical spinnaker for a local sail loft, Yager Sails. He worked up a 900 square foot sail, bag and sock for $1950. And will come out to the boat to help us get familiar with it.
This was our ten year anniversary present to each other!
:D
Leo, I too have 3/4" sheets for my fore sails. This is about 3 or 4 times the necessary lines for the force. I have put on my list 120 feet of 1/2" or 9/16" jib sheet lines but my list is long and the price of braided line is dear. I would love to trade out my lines. I also have a problem with my main sheet line, it is too large in diameter and does not do well in light wind. I plan to down size the lines appreciably in the next few years and I think the sails will set better.
I will change out in time and let everyone know how it works.
Don Woodruff