Spinnaker Poles

[Orrjames]

We have owned a 79' Pearson 365 ketch for about a year now. We have sailed all over S. Alabama and in the gulf many times but have yet to try our spinnaker set up. I would love to try sailing down wind with a chute up but have never done so. I am looking for some basic instruction and any tips to make it easier for us to attempt it.

The spinnaker pole is the same on both ends as far as hardware goes, and have heard there are several types, all with their own benefits. I really have no idea how to rig it, get it up and flying, switching sides or even if I can run the lines back to the cockpit. Do you use the jib winches or is it better not too? Do you use a line on the live end of the pole to control it? Any info. would help greatly! Thanks!

[lorenzo123]

Orrjames, if you google spinnaker, you'll find several links with guides to running a chute.

[Pete7]

Also worth an evening spent searching You Tube if only to get the idea.

Take a pinch of salt when you reach the ones were it all goes pear shaped because the they are flying a spinnaker in 30 knots to try and win a race. You won't be doing that (racing or flying in 30 knots).

Pete

[svHyLyte]

Google "Spinnaker Handling". A couple of items that might be of interest include:

Forespar Spinnaker Poles Part I: Introduction - YouTube

and the subsequent series and

Flutterbye and Spinnaker handling - YouTube

[Orrjames]

Thank you all, good input.

[b-rad]

Find a local race fleet and try to find a ride for a race or two, you can see how it all works before you try it on your boat.

[cal40john]

This is a good simple book:

http://www.amazon.com/Sail-Rig-Tunin.../dp/1898660670

Start out in winds less than 10 knots.

[Factor]

Whats a spinnaker pole?

[mikefossl]

For cruising I'd also recommend a spinnaker sock. I simplifies the launch and make dousing a snap especially when the wind picks up.

Single handed setting and dousing an Asymmetrical Spinnaker, using a Chutescoop sock - YouTube

[jewel114]

sock is only way to go if short handed.