Sheets?

[Leo]

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

[kevin barber]

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

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[Leo]

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

[kevin barber]

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.

[Leo]

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!  
 

[Don Woodruff]

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