Kurnell F-16..... James Cole

Pic 2.... James

Another KCC F-16

Taipan F-16 USA 300

On some of these pics, it looks like some the sailors are beating to windward (from the main traveller position) while having their spis up.

I recently bought a spi for my Hobie 16 (am I still allowed here?) and was wondering how high you can point with it - any thoughts on that?

Of course, I could have tried it out myself, but on the two occasions I felt the wind was too strong to do it - my bows always buried when I went any higher than a deep reach.

I appreciate your input.

H77

No they're not beating to windward. If you do some searches on here about sailing with spinnakers, you'll find all the discussion(s) that went on about the fastest way downwind. Essentially, with kite up you are travelling fast enough to create an APPARENT wind that means you need to sheet in your main. There are several other reasons why this helps the boat and is explained at length (with various author's views) in those threads.

Have fun with your new spin!

That makes sense. Thank you for pointing me to the other thread (and your good wishes ).

H77

Hi H77,

as long as you are interested in spinnaker sailing you are more than welcome here.

Am still looking forward to sailing with some Hobie 16's with spinnakers one day. There are quite a few of them around now but I don't seem to see them racing, which is the quickest way to learn to use the spin. well.

Happy to help with hints if I can just ask. But basicaly pointing as high as you can with spinnaker, with main sheeted centraly and then pulling away as speed builds which allows you to keep kite set is how it works. Best to trial this first in about 10 kts. which will give you good feel for the speed.

Regards Gary.

Thank you for the welcome, Gary

The reason for most H16s sailing w/o spins is probably that spins aren't allowed in their one-design class. As far as I know, they are only "legal" for youth events (<=21 years).

After going out on the water with the spin, downwind-sailing became a whole new experience! Before spin, that course was peace and quiet; with spin, screaming speed, high-frequency weight trim, bows in the water! It felt great, especially after being back on shore in one piece.

I feel I already profit from your experiences posted here, so thank you all for that.

Best regards,

H77

I always thought that a true sailor never got any older than 21, no matter what it says on their birth certificate?