Spinnaker Handling

By Bent Aarre

Book Overview

Spinnakers are no longer the preserve of racing yachts; cruisers have also been seduced by the sail's dramatic contribution to speed and excitement. This second edition describes handling techniques... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0924486511
• ISBN13: 9780924486517
• Release Date: September 1998
• Publisher: Sheridan House
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.0" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Lacks detail, poorly written and a waste of money

I was very hopeful this book would breakdown the complexities of sailing with a spinnaker from the hoist, gybes, takedowns, along with proper trim and tactical maneuvers to stay a step ahead of the competition. Sadly, this book is so insufficient, and poorly written, I feel the author should donate the proceeds to remedial English class students, or at the minimum, youth sailing organizations... EXAMPLE - the process for "dousing" a spinnaker is a whopping 4 pages long!! Give me a break. There are 4 standard ways to douse a Spinnaker, each requiring specific sequencing, timing and a set of tasks that span nearly all crew members. Depending upon how the boat is approaching the leeward mark, (port or starboard tack) the helmsman may call for a Windward, Leeward or a Jibe Douse (sometimes referred to as a "Mexican" douse which was perfected in San Diego often pointing toward Mexico - hence the name "Mexican")... In an offshore, shorthanded or heavy breeze, a safer, more controlled method called the "Letterbox" may be more appropriate. Of course each of these methods is further differentiated by the type of spinnaker being used - Symmetrical vs Asymmetrical.... The author fails to stipulate the single method he'd illustrating, meanwhile each of these share some similarities - they are wholly distinct. Each method could be a chapter on it's own, and could likely be 10-15 pages each. Arguable, the douse maneuver is likely the most consequential, and carries the most risk as well as upside if done well. Mr. Aarre - your job is unfinished, and you should consider publishing an edition that is actually informative and instructive. And if you choose to do so - you should send a FREE copy to each sad sucker who purchased this POS.

Spinnaker handling made simple

This book was easy to understand book on how to handle spinnakers in a variety of conditions. Clearly spells out the obvious mistakes and how to avoid them early, which seems to be the key. And it makes the tackling of this tertiary sail and its threats seem quite manageable; and looking back on times I've had problems with spinnakers this book was right about the causes and seems to have simple solutions.

Required crew reading

The information in this book is greatly augmented by the pictures and drawings. There is discussion on both mast head and fractional boats and the difference in handling the chutes. And information on 'end for end' and 'dip pole' spinnaker poles and how each is operated.My biggest question is who wrote the book??? Come on 'bent air' writting a book on sail trim.