Asymmetrical Spinnaker Storage Challenge

[zstine]

We just finished over a year living on a 1975 Tartan 41ft as a family of 4. Our biggest issue wasn't that we didn't have enough space, but that we over-packed and stuffed the space we did have. It makes getting at everything a PITA. Clothes was the biggest driver of being over stuffed (3 girls, just saying). Over half the clothing brought was never even worn.


We carried a spinnaker and cutter sail below, in addition to 4 people's stuff. Find the space... If you sleep in the V-berth, just chuck the sail on top of the 1/4 berth aft. If you have a guest, it can go on deck temporarily.

[rbrazil]

Originally Posted by Captain Randy

Good morning from Southern California,
We are preparing to move aboard in April, retire end of July and sail south with the Baja Ha Ha Nov. 2nd to the Sea of Cortez, Central America and ?? I put new sails on the boat and invested in a Asymmetrical Spinnaker and ATN sock which I have no experience with nor did I really realize how large the bag would be relative to where I had thought I would put it. It will not fit in the lazerete. My only option is in the shower or possible strap it on deck. It would be a real PIA to put this sail in the shower.

With all that said do I really need this sail and did I make a mistake in purchasing it. Of course it would be good to have but without a good storage solution do I get over it and try to sell it? Or do I figure out a way to strap it to the deck as a solution. We are already struggling with storage on our Cheoy Lee Pedrick 41 and this sail is not helping. So can I get along with out it and take the hit and sell it.
Thanks
CR

After just having done the Ha Ha, DONT SELL IT! We used it for hours! I cant imagine not having it. It’s my new favorite sail and I had only used it twice previously on SF Bay. Invest in a sail bag made for Aysm’s that clip to the lifelines on deck. We stored ours anywhere convenient below until we knew we would start using it After that it lived in the bag on deck. I was worried about it getting wet but that never happened. You will fall in love every time it “pops” open. Happy sailing.

[Tmacmi]

I would encourage you to find a way to keep it. This is the first time I've owned a spinnaker of any type.

It is easy to fly and will make the difference in a miserable August afternoon flapping around in 6 knot wind and a light relaxed sail.... or worse listing to the tappets of a diesel when you have given up on the sails.

[tilostahl]

When I'm underway my asymmetrical spinnaker is always in its bag attached to the lifelines at the bow. The sheets are prepped and the halyard is within easy reach. That way I can hoist it in a pinch. If I had to get it out from under a settee every time the wind went aft I would never use it.

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by PaulZeeders

Hi Wingssail
Is it possible to have some photos of your storage as we are looking to change the layout of our yacht to improve storage.
Thanks Paul

Here are several photos:

1. Forepeak with sails (9 sails in this area, not packed as we're using them each week) The bunk is folded up to make clear room for the sails. On the folded up bunk we have spare cushions and deck chairs
2. Workshop with tool bins below and sewing machine just visible
3. Vanity area clothing storage (opposite side not shown) Including selfie.
4. Head storage cubbys
5. Storage behind port settee (starboard is similar). Lee cloths can be rigged to keep stuff visible on the pilot berth in place.
6. aft storage bins (9)

Not shown is the upper port quarterberth (pipe berth) which holds at least 4 sails when in use. It is above our bed. And not shown is the shower/line locker where there is a rack for the outboard motor (which does not interfere with use of the shower). Not shown is the lazerette which is immense.

Also not shown is the galley, nav station and main cabin, which you can see at this link <Wingssail Images-Cruising Photos from Around the Pacific>

This link shows the exterior: http://wingssail-images.blogspot.com/2008/01/wings.html

[David Sandowich]

My A sail found a happy home in the starboard aft cabin on a self I made for it. Hope the pic came through

[RPFleming01]

Have a bag made of sunbrella with clip's on the out side. clip to life lines forward deck area ready to use. Have been using mine for last few years, lives on deck until haul-out.

[sailjumanji]

Had a rectangular bag made of Sunbrella Plus with a large zipper on top. It clips on forward trampoline net. Coiled spinnaker with top down furler fits easily in the bag. When we dompassages, the bag gets unclipped and put in the cockpit (which albeit is a bit roomier on a 21 ft wide cat!).

[jharding]

I put mine on a continuous line furler and mounted it in front of my genny where it sails from. I made a cover, like ATN makes to hoist up over it when not in use, to keep sun off it. It is all rigged and ready to use at any time, which means it get used more often and I don't have to store it. I have three head sails ready to use at any time, the asym, genny and staysail. I use it a lot instead of turning on the motor, I wouldn't go with out it.

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by Captain Randy

Good morning from Southern California,
We are preparing to move aboard in April, retire end of July and sail south with the Baja Ha Ha Nov. 2nd to the Sea of Cortez, Central America and ?? I put new sails on the boat and invested in a Asymmetrical Spinnaker and ATN sock which I have no experience with nor did I really realize how large the bag would be relative to where I had thought I would put it. It will not fit in the lazerete. My only option is in the shower or possible strap it on deck. It would be a real PIA to put this sail in the shower.

With all that said do I really need this sail and did I make a mistake in purchasing it. Of course it would be good to have but without a good storage solution do I get over it and try to sell it? Or do I figure out a way to strap it to the deck as a solution. We are already struggling with storage on our Cheoy Lee Pedrick 41 and this sail is not helping. So can I get along with out it and take the hit and sell it.

Thanks
CR

You've had some good input, so far. And, yes, definitely keep the sail. There are times when the chute is the only sail that will move the boat, and then it is a joy.

Here's something to consider: It's not really good for spinnakers to be stowed below when they are wet, and sometimes, they get accidentally dropped. So, if you opt for a Sunbrella bag to clip to the lifelines, at least for passage stowage, make sure you make the bag with drainage. Me, I'd use a pvc bottom, that is a scree, like medium Breezeway, for that. It will let the water out, and a little air in. When you get to an anchorage or marina after your passage, you can shackle the tack and the clew and hoist it to dry it thoroughly. If there is fresh water available, you can wet the sail as you hoist it, to help wash out the salt. Then you can pack and roll as Fred (wingssail) suggested. Don't do it with a wet sail, you'll wind up introducing salt below decks, and that interferes with having a good time. (Don't ask! ) There's already enough salt just in the air.

Ann

[Journeyman]

We found our brand new asym we bought before the Baja Ha Ha and later for cruising the Sea of Cortez and South to Manzanillo to be worthless.

Its no longer on the boat. Too much of a hassle to use in either no wind or too much wind Mexico.

We are very happy cruising with jib and main.

[Colin Oslo]

Hi there,
I am not really replying, but we find we more than often use our Code0 instead of our assymetric ( in light winds we pole it out and). Our Code0 takes less abt 1/2 stowage space than our assymeric spinnaker (no sock).

Very pleased with the Code0

[Captain Randy]

Thank you everyone. A bunch of great idea's. Here's what I think I will try. I will make a turtle type bag with straps/clips. I think I may be able to get it below the V berth with some access modification for longer term storage and clip on deck when we think the forecast for light winds is in the cards.

Thanks!
Randy