Dropping spinnakers singlehanded

[Blueboatman]

I used a snuffer/spi squeezer available from West Marine catalogue..For hoisting all controls were led went back to the cockpit.
But for dropping it,I fitted a simple in line jam cleat on the mast at head height,put the spi halliard in this and released the halliard from the winch and cleat in the cockpit(Michael W's idea of chucking it out astern is clever)
...and then lowered the squeezer,back to the cockpit to release some sheet..back forward to lower the spi squeezer completely...and then lower the halliard from the mast with one hand ,whilst gathering in the 'tube' with the other,there being no wind loading now on anything...The beauty of the jammer is that if you need to pause you can,single handed.
But I only did it a few times.Definitely still learning this . Works better with a windvane than an autopilot which can get a bit of a weave going in the wake just when you dont want it!

 

[bedouin]

I was wondering about that for my gennaker - any idea where I can get one for less than about £500?

 

[temptress]

I always use the Snuffer when single handing. Actually we use it when racing 2 handed as well.

The OPen 60 and the like also use Snuffers so I guess it makes sense.....

 

[Helina]

I looked at Harken importer Finland pages and they advertise gennaker furling big boats 970,- Euros. Not sure if this is the right thing for you?
http://www.harkenstore.com/uniface.urd/sccyspw1.eShowPage?409Z56LC7FV66&409Z56LC6P2L6

 

[beneteau_305_553]

I unfurl the genoa as well which prevents the spinnaker from wrapping round the forestay. Then attach a line to the end of the halyard and trail it behind. Bear away under autopilot and when the spinnaker looses the wind, release the halyard and pull the spinnaker down and stash it in its bag as it comes down.

 

[alant]

Last year, doing a YM Prep course for a French sailing instructor (he wanted UK docs), he said that they (french instructors), HAD to do MOB with spinnaker & tame the beast alone!