Dinghy spinnaker: pros and cons of going asymmetric?

[Seajet]

Not when they're talking bolllox.

Next question ?

 

[Greenheart]

...'excessive preoccupation with theory is a sign of inexperience and a reason for not gaining more experience'.

...I've been thinking what fun it would be to chuck some minimal camping equipment into the tiny cabin and go off for a week on a boat that sails so beautifully, even if it wasn't designed as a cruiser.

I don't know whether to be embarrassed or flattered, by your familiarity with my plans (largely unspoken by me here, today!)...but really, it's only the cheerless weather holding me back. And while it lasts, I really enjoy contemplating what's possible. But Hasler's point is well made and taken, thank you!

My ongoing interest in the theory of what's possible outside racing-class rules, will (I hope) mean I can attempt equipping a rapid design for reasonably undemanding handling on the one hand, and outrageous over-canvassing for light airs on the other. Very possibly a huge kite would be a brown-trouser job - a case of single-use-only...but I'd be sure to catch the occasion on film.

I realise that the extended-cruising aspect of my ambitions adds weight, which in a small boat is the enemy of performance. But I won't always be weighed down with tents and anchor-chains...and the part of me that enjoys cutting loose in a breeze, would never have been content in a Wayfarer...

...but I admit, it's so long since I spent serious time in a planing dinghy, even an average design may scare me silly...and increased sail area might be the last thing I need, or want!

 

[fireball]

Not when they're talking bolllox.

Next question ?

Hmmm yer right. Somehow I think you've got that the wrong way round.

 

[fireball]

Dan. Quite simply - an assy is generally much easier to control than a conventional kite, but it doesn't work well dead down wind - you can still use it there though - especially if you pole it out. But not a good idea if its overly breezy, but then you'd be reaching with it anyway cos that's faster.

I've seen some right hash ups of boats loaded with all sorts of go faster gizmos - but the fastest ones are those sailed well - often with the basic kit on.

Kites are fun though and should be played with.

 

[Iain C]

Not when they're talking bolllox.

Next question ?

Which bit is bollox? The Aussie Drop?

 

[Neil_Y]

Maybe you should be thinking Unicorn and kite? I think cats might be a better option for a long distance cruise type boat, and there's no stopping you experimenting with bigger sails. Cat kite is tall and quite flat and doesn't load up the rig as much until you plant the nose in. 14 kite is great fun but quite a handfull, I have single handed this 14 with this kite but in 4-5knots and I was planing.

today looks like I'll be crewing a 5K which might be fun until we have to drag it back up the slip, but that might be a good boat it's big!

Youtube embed didn't work? it shows gust of wind, hull lift and bear away taking you down wind faster quite nicely.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yEDQvH2AuU

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6yEDQvH2AuU?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[boguing]

I hired a Laser 5000 at a nearby lake about eight years ago, with my seven yo. son steering.

Thee superbly 'sorted' launch system meant that he thought it was entirely normal to fly a big and colourful sail when we turned corners. Brilliant.

If we look at the development of downwind sails, I think there is a fair way to go.

I made and successfully tested an auto dip pole gybe jobby twenty plus years ago. But haven't yet put my knowledge
of easy spin launch/drop into the invent in tray. It must be doable.

Too many old salts still cry 'unseamanlike' on sight of a spinnaker.

 

[Seajet]

I hired a Laser 5000 at a nearby lake about eight years ago, with my seven yo. son steering.

Thee superbly 'sorted' launch system meant that he thought it was entirely normal to fly a big and colourful sail when we turned corners. Brilliant.

If we look at the development of downwind sails, I think there is a fair way to go.

I made and successfully tested an auto dip pole gybe jobby twenty plus years ago. But haven't yet put my knowledge
of easy spin launch/drop into the invent in tray. It must be doable.

Too many old salts still cry 'unseamanlike' on sight of a spinnaker.

Boguing,

please tell us more with details !

Andy

 

[Greenheart]

14 kite is great fun but quite a handfull, I have singlehanded this 14 with this kite but in 4-5knots and I was planing.

That's a fantastically-proportioned sail...just what I had in mind. Great for those nearly-windless days. And perhaps, since I'd be terrified of using it in more than 5 knots of wind, I could pick up a tired old Int14 kite pretty cheaply?

 

[Neil_Y]

Yep it was a nicely set up little boat, and the sails were OK. It was tough enough to sit or lay it on the beach when I went cruising for fish chips and a pint to Cawsand.