Spinnaker boom and jib

Hi,
Very ambitious! Hoisting a symmetric spinnaker in this boat is a challenge, even for a full crew. It is possible to do so, BUT if anything goes wrong there is no chance for any corrections. The 280 sqm spinnaker pulls with over 3 tons of force!!! After months of practice I am proud to say that we succeed to manage a asymmetric spinnaker - without a spinnaker pole - with just three racing crew on board. By managing I mean hoisting, jibbing and dowsing under control. To do that we completely redesigned the way the supplier provided sock works since with the original design the long sock twisted before reaching the top.
The inner forestay and strong wind jib is an excellent idea. We have one and we use a old fashioned jib with hanks. They can be attached very easy while the sail is still in the sail bag and hoisted unattended from the safety of the cockpit. The boat sail excellent under strong wind jib and full main up to 25 knots true wind. I advise against a furled inner forestay. It would be so heavy and difficult to rig that would either stay up permanently or never be used.
Lowering the main is very easy in our boat. Be sure to wash the track with hot water and use silicone lubricant regularly. Ours drops by itself if we release it.

Panos
Hanse 630- MMBWNicole
www.mmbwnicole.com



Edited by panos - 21 January 2012 at 11:03

Hi,
Our main halyard is simple. I considered rigging one with a 2:1 purchase but was not nessesary.
The main has three reefs but only two of them are rigged. In case we anticipate gale force winds we detach all reefs and reassemble the lines so that we end up with second and third reef rigged. Since this was only done once we do not think that a third reef is nessesary.
As for the Atlantic crossing I would try a spinnaker, but would not dare to cross with less than 8 people on board with at least 5 of them seriously experienced and trained sailors and one good mechanic,engineer or equivalent.
Serious problem is spinnaker halyard chaffing at the top mast block. From our experience the halyard has to be shortened every day. Two very good quality halyards are important. You have to remove the upper end sleeve to reduce wear. In order to keep the spinnaker constantly up one crew member has to climb up while the spinnaker is flying and exchange halyards, so a climber among the crew is welcomed.
With a spinnaker up you expect to do the crossing at a speed over 16 knots.