That line running into the snuffer is the retrieval line. Instead of going straight up the centreline of the spinnaker through the patches it is first led through a small ring hanging from the clew of the spinnaker. Then the retrieval line continues up through the patches as usual.
The ring is hanging on a piece of cord or elastic about a foot long. You can see it in the photo.
The photo (
http://www.catsailor.com/bb_files/123598-DSC00843.JPG) explains a lot about the setup to reduce the amount of spinnaker sheet on the deck. I read the posts linked to above and was not getting it. So I assume this setup pulls the back of the sail (clew) in to the spinnaker sock earlier and deeper so more of the spinnaker sheets are pulled in and are therefore off the deck when the spinnaker is down. I'll have to try it (in the spring).
