N20 spinnaker system

You might get more response if you post this on the Open Forum. Since there actually isn't a Formula 20 Class (at least not in the U.S.), not many people visit this forum. There are lots of Nacra 20 sailors on the Open Forum, and they are very helpful.

Hi Seajay

You might look through the archives of the Worrell or Tybee 500 races which are on Inter Nacra 20s , we all used the pole set-up rather than snuffer .There should be some good spin set-up pics there .

http://www.catsailor.com/worrell1000/worrell_2001_leg1.html

hope that helps .Have fun ,they are great fast fun cats .

Thanks Mary and Carl for your replies. I will action them both.

Regards
Chris

There's a link to the NA N20 site on www.1design.net, and a bunch of N20 sailors could give you setup tips.

Are you wanting to rig it so that the halyard pulls the tack line at the same time, or run both lines independently?

Thanks Waterbug.
Having a one-line system sounds simpler and probably less for the crew to sort out. I guess the downside is there is an aweful lot of line on the tramp when the sail is up - perhaps feeding that into a bag in loose coils could be a solution.
I have never sailed anything with a kite so the whole thing is going to be a new experience. I would be better to start simple and then experiment with more complex systems at a later time.

Regards
Chris

I think the simplest sytsem is to rig a snuffer...easiest for the crew and has almost nothing on the tramp (just the single halyard/retreival line that can be easily organized by running it through a block on a shock cord near the rear beam). The down side is that you need to have the spinnaker set up for it (grommets added at the right places) and you have to purchase the hoop and sock. This is the best for quick and easy hoist and retreival of the spinnaker. Many are switching from end pole snuffers to the mid-pole system. There might be someone who wants to sell their old end pole rig and spinnaker, which could be a good deal.

The tramp bag system was preferred by the long distance racers because it has less windage (hoop and sock), is probably a little lighter, and they didn't have many hoists and retreivals in long distance racing. It does leave the spinnaker on the tramp when going upwind, and the bag is there all the time.

Thanks Les. I may still opt to start with the tramp bag, because a) thats what I've got and it will cost me £300 to change system, and b) I enjoy long distance sailing and the longer races. I could always change system next season after I have seen/tried out what others use.

Regards
Chris

For distance racing a bag is very good. For around the bouyos, you should get/make a snuffer.

It sounds like your spi-pole is set up for a one-line setup, like the one illustrated on page 11 here: http://www.geocities.com/kustzeilen/Genaker/GenakerWord97.zip (Something Wouter wrote?)
You use a bungee to suck the halyard away from the tramp when hoisting. Running this bungee from the back beam to the forestay fitting trough a turning block and back will give enough elasticity in the system if you run the halyard 2:1 on the bungee. You might want to stitch a running block to your tramp to lead and organize the halyard while running back to the aft-beam.

Speaking to address the large amount of line in the pole spin system, you are correct that if you loosely coil it up and slide it under a hiking strap, the spin bag, or some other area is best.

When you're ready to douse the spin, toss the coil of line behind the boat (in the water). This helps get any minor kinks out of the line, ensuring a smooth take-down.

Snuffer is best on bouys, pole is good for distance. The one line system on the pole is easiest, but doesn't allow you to adjust luff tension on the spin (if you need to do so, for instance, to pinch higher or in heavy air)using the tack line. I've never had to adjust luff tension that much, but I know some of the rock stars use that to their advantage on a few occasions...