Spinnaker sailing ...is the a short cut for single handed,

[shane.h012]

Can you fly a spinnaker with out all the ropes and pole, I sail alone but would like to use the spinnaker, just using 2 guys or sheets...or is it not possible at all,

[alctel]

An asymmetrical doesn't use a pole so if your boat has a decent sprit you could look at getting one of those?

However I fly a symmetrical single-handed, including the pole so it is possible. A decent autopilot really helps.

[roverhi]

I like to use a fore and aft guy and topping lift on the pole. That way can just trip spinnaker guy/sheet and deal with dousing the chute while the pole takes care of itself. Trying to deal with the pole and sail at the same time single handed is more excitement than I care to experience.

[Foolish]

What you are looking for is known as a Cruising Spinnaker. It's more like an asymmetrical spinnaker but the tack is just on your forestay or the deck without a pole. Take a look at this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed-tCnbS8oA

Or, even better, if you go here you can download a free book on singlehanded sailing, including everything you need to know about flying a spinnaker with a pole. It's a REALLY GOOD book!
Resources | Singlehanded Sailing Society

[Don C L]

Welcome aboard Shane! I can't say I'm an expert on singlehanding a spinnaker but when I was young and foolish I had a spinnaker on my little 24 footer, and I did sail with it a number of times alone when I was running home (on the same tack the whole way). I could raise it from the cockpit of course, once the sheets, topping lift and foreguy were all set. And this was all on pretty calm days too. The topping lift and foreguy were rigged back to the cockpit too of course. It really helps to be able to steer the boat with the tiller between your legs while you are raising and trimming the sail! That's actually a must-have in my book. No gybing (unless you take the sail down first). I survived. The sail, the boat, pole and rigging all survived. It was often VERY fun, but I can't say I'd recommend it. The cruising spinnaker is a better choice as Foolish says IMO. And actually, now that I look back at your post, that's what you were asking about!

[Joe Saylor]

Yes, standard equipment for me. Cruising chute or an MPS. A good sock is a must. Rarely use the pole as it is one more thing to deal with. I am using a slightly undersized chute as it is a bit easier to handle. Saves a lot of motoring. Once you get the hang of the timing and release on take downs it becomes second nature. Good Luck.

[sv Grateful]

On a catamaran you can easily fly a symmetrical chute with sheet & guy but no pole. A dock makes single handing a breeze.

You just need the right boat ;-)