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Submitted on October 16, 2002 by Shaun McMillan
Question: Hello -
I single hand a Folkboat, and, have an O/B (5hp) for power. The OB is
just big enough to get out of port at slack. I can also stow the OB in
the quarter berth in bad weather or on long trips. My plan is off shore
single handing-only because the boat is really too small for two.
Now, the question-the spinaker/genaker line on stowing in heavy weather has me concerned. Local lofts are pushing code zero or genakers. However, I sail essentially engineless and single handed. Seems a 170-180 drifter would be best with a pole as necessary. It might have more control-but-I still would apppeciate advice.
By the way I should
plug the Vancouver B.C. North Sail Loft, their flexibility and off-shore
interests make them the loft I'm giong to.
Sincerely,
Shaun McMillan
S/V Enid Blyton
Answer: Hi Shaun,,
Just to be clear about the sails
you might be asking about, North Sails builds 3 products that fit the
broad description of the sails you refer to in your question:
Code 0 - A Code 0 is a race sail intended for tight apparent wind
angles but also qualifies as an Asymmetrical Spinnaker under race rules.
In order to qualify as a spinnaker, the sail must have a midgirth measurement
(the distance between the mid leech and the mid luff) equal to or greater
than .75*foot length. This midgirth requirement makes the sail wider and
deeper than you would want for a drifter/reacher type of sail.
G-0 - A G-0 is similar to a Code 0 except that the sail does not
comply with the race rules. The midgirth measurement of a G-0 is about
55% of the foot length which allows us to make a sail that is much more
forgiving to trimming or steering variation. A G-0 is a more close winded
sail than a Code 0 in light air.
Gennakers- A Gennaker (we make two models, G-2 and G-3) is a much larger and deeper sail than either the Code 0 or G-0. Gennakers are intended mostly for use with the wind aft of the beam, although you can sail tighter angles in very light wind.
Based on your sailing plans you will probably get the most use out of a G-0. The G-0 is basically a modern, powered up Drifter. You can set it up with a self contained furler or a Snuffer. With a little practice you could also hoist and douse the sail without any handling aids. If you elect to use a furler, the sail will be too long on the luff dimension for use on the spinnaker pole
Regards, Dan Neri
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