Submitted on November 1, 2005 by Troy Scott

Question: I own a Cape Dory 36. I'm interested in options for shorthanded downwind speed without the hassle of a conventional spinnaker pole. I've often wondered if I could fly two poleless asymmetrical spinnakers, one on each side. I don't think I've ever seen this done. I HAVE seen two large genoas poled out side by side.... Thoughts?

Regards,
Troy Scott

Answer: Hi Troy,

I don't think you would have good luck flying two Asymmetric spinnakers at the same time. The sails have positive curvature on all three edges so they would interfere with each other when they are inflated. You could probably get them to fly at a dead downwind angle, but you will be much better off with a mainsail and a single, well designed spinnaker.

Regards,
Dan Neri

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