Spinnaker Symmetric or Asymmetric

[spiritcat]

I have a performance cruising cat with a 2.0m prodder that carries a furled screecher that is left permanently in place, I can also carry a furled storm jib behind the genoa, but do not as it is very seldom needed.

I use an asymetrical spinnaker with a sock that is tacked to the outside of the screecher and can also be tacked across to each bow if wanting to run dead downwind. It is set up to enable this to happen, but I have never done it as we usually work off the apparent wind when cruising or racing and running dead downwind is not that efficient unless it is very light.

I would be cautious about swinging the prodder to one side or the other if your also carry a furled screecher on that pole as the halyard loads are high and as soon as you release the prodder purchase, it will want to rise.

We use the screecher from about 60 degrees to 100 (apparent) and then go to the spinnaker which can be carried from about 80 to 140 depending on luff tension. Beyond 140 the asymetric is not that efficient and we need to get the apparent wind moving further forward.

Peter