Spinnaker or Gennaker

[Waypoint]

I am about to invest in a further sail and am uncertain if it would be better to buy a Strömer (Gennaker) or go for the symetrical spinnaker. The question is which of the two will give greater all round performance and really add to the pleasures of sailing. I am not overcocerned with setting up the sail, as I have a spinnaker pole and enough help on hand.

Thanks for your views,
John

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[Talbot]

Will get better performance by investing in a folding propellor (assuming you dont already have one)

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[Waypoint]

You make a good point. I invested in a folding "flex-o-fold" 3 blade prop last year and have had very good results, clearly a good initial investment. Now I am looking for more sail power.

John

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[pragmatist]

Which make of propellor ? We're interested in changing from fixed.

<hr width=100% size=1>a pragmatist is an optimist with a boat in the UK - but serious about not being in the UK !

 

[mocruising]

We have recently purchased a furling gennaker with a Facnor furler, we have a spinnaker but found it too much to handle with just two onboard (46') despite the fact that it has a snuffer. The gennaker is much easier to handle but not as much fun however a deal less stressful as its (The spinnaker) a big sail. We also purchased a cruising chute which we fly from a short bowsprit which keeps it clear of all the furling equipment, this also has a snuffer. To be honest I never thought we would need them all, however if you are cruising in an area where it is predominantly light winds like the Med can be some times its helps we find to have the full compliment of sails, that will work efficiently from right aft to a few points forward of the beam. All this in addition to being able to manage the sails safely short handed. However to directly answer your question the best and fastest fun comes with at least three on the fore deck and one or two in the cockpit and the spinnaker hoisted.

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[Talbot]

What sort of boat? and where will you be sailing?

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[Apetts]

Have a look at this
http://www.actionsailing.co.uk/FoldingProp.htm

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[Waypoint]

I purchased a flex-o-fold propeller on a recommendation. They were very helpful and I was offered a 14 day no-quibble return if not entirely satisfied. Contact details are Flexofold Propellers [info@flexofold.com]. Ask them for a quote and if you give them your boats weight and dimensions, they will recommend a size.



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[Ric]

If you have plenty of deckhands get a spinnaker. You can sail from about 110 reach to a dead ahead run with a symmetric spinnaker. With an asymmetric you are lucky if you get the wind to about 130 with the main up, and with the main down you can't go much beyon 150-160.

I have an asymmetric but that is only because I single-hand and asymmetrics are easily handable alone, whereas spis are harder. Plenty of people manage them though - look at the Vendée Globe!!

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