Note my avatar to the left I have been using for several years! - I had Gregg Goodall make me a custom "poleless" spi several years ago- I store it in a bag on the tramp and it is great fun out cruising around. Still trying to figure out a good way to retrieve and snuff. I went with this because I was not happy with the (IMO) significantly worse upwind performance of my Taipan with the spi pole/snuffer in place. Boats I could normally outpoint with comparable or better speed were just as high and fast if I added the spi pole etc. Mind you, I am sailing uni only so this impression may not be relevant for the sloops. I really want a simple, fast spi "system" that is quickly/easily mounted, deployed, retrieved and put away AND doesn't detract much if any from straight uni experience. Probably fact I also sail an "A" may have something to do with that!

Kirt