Matt Broze wrote: > Of the sails I've used liked a spinnaker best as it was so simple to use, > powerful, didn't require too much bulky equipment like leeboard or > outriggers, was easy to set up and take down, and could be configured in > different ways. Who needs to sail upwind anyway when you have a paddle that > can get you there easier and faster. These are really issues for Mark B. to address as the undoubted authority but I'll add a bit. Spinnakers have distinct drawbacks over standard sails. They tend to load and unload suddenly when the wind changes direction and apply their force high on the mast. One design that shall remain nameless is down right diabolical in applying sudden destabilizing loads in slight wind shifts. But stability aside, spinnakers don't work very well for practical sailing. Three years ago we tested two spinnaker rigs on Folbots and the standard Klepper main in the Charlottes over a 5 day period. In all sorts of wind conditions, backing, changes around headlands and the like the main was a better (though smaller in size than either of the spinnakers). It could be deployed earlier and left up longer, would depower simply by releasing the sheet (the spinnakers would sometimes blow into the water [!!!] dragging the mast down with them unless furiously lowered and carefully stowed) and did not flap or flail about. Also the standard Klepper mast was smaller and lighter. While the venerable Klepper AII can be sailed with the standard main without any lee boards (presuming a normal load) to about 45 degrees off the wind, Matt's experiences in doing so with a spinnaker are exceptional. We were unable to get either spinnaker rig to provide practical power more than 30 degrees off. For places like the Bahamas where the trades blow day after day from the NE to NW the standard sail is fine, the spinnaker near useless. That said, Mark Balogh's creation, the Twins (copied by Folbot) will work passably when folded behind the mast for reaching. We used one of Mark's larger Twins in the southern Bahamas last year (and wished every moment we had our Batwing) but it was acceptable. While there is fervor and amusement in not sailing with a rudder this is hardly the way to maximize performance or enjoyment. Those with deep commitments to avoiding rudders for spiritual or athletic reasons should by no means be tempted to do so. But if you want to sail a kayak in comfort and a range of conditions the right rudder is a must. As for the right sail, one must actually try a Batwing to believe the way it handles. The oft cited features of "efficiency" miss the other point: incredible predictability. Loads are applied so smoothly to the craft even in gusty and variable conditions that the Bat is much easier to predict and control. The akas and amas are nice but users are often amazed how infrequently these are needed for all but upwind sailing. Rich -- Richard G. Mitchell, Jr. Oregon State University Department of Sociology Corvallis, OR 97331 (541) 752-1323 phone/fax mitchelr_at_ucs.orst.edu *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Dec 02 1999 - 04:04:00 PST
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