*What's a good method for getting the halyard/retrieval line through the sock when rigging?
We use a batten pushed trough from the front. Tie the retrieval line to the hole and pull trough.
*Are all windward / leewards port courses?
That is the olympic format, but who knows..
*What's the best tack to be on going into the a. top mark, b. bottom mark, when sailing port hand windward / leewards?
Depends on wind and position of marks, as usual. All regular tactics re. mark roundings apply.
*What downwind angles give best VMG with a kite and how best to judge without a compass?
Varies from design to design, windspeed and crew weight. In stronger winds it generally pays off to go as high as you can due to higher speed, in weaker winds we work the virtual wind but aim to go deep.
*I have a 2/1 tack line which gets the tack out easily but puts a bunch a excess halyard on the deck when the kite is out. remedies?
We use a 1:1 tack line, but had a 1:2 earlier which halved the amount of line on the tramp. If it bothers you, use a bungee to tidy it up. You do have a snuffer?
*How are knots to keep the patches apart in the retrieval line tied in during rigging?
We dont use knots or stopper balls, works great without them..
*What's a good measure setting luff tension?
Depends on your spi. Consult your sailmaker and experiment.
Exerpt from:
http://www.landenberger-sailing.com/inde...=18&meid=19Leech lines should be set as follows. The back line should only have just enough tension to stop leech flap. This will create a small turn in the leech, but this is normal and must be there in this type of spinnaker design. The luff line needs tension to create a stable luff. It takes some trial and error to get it perfect but once it is set you can just leave it. With too little tension the luff will at times collapse completely and it is hard to refill the spi without a big reaction on the spi sheet. When the luff line in too tight the front on the spi will become rounder and although it will be quite stable it will tend to role in and out giving always the impression that it wants to collapse. Normally it will not collapse so easily but will make it difficult to steer and sheet the spi correctly.
*Best bailout if the kite gets stuck up? Knife?
Never had that happen.. Yet..
*Best righting procedure in a ditch with kite up?
Snuff the kite and right as usual. You can usually reach the retrieval line from under the tramp.
