Spinnakers

[Curmudgeon]

Can the GBCA Club class fly spinnakers, as there was a boat in that class with a kite up. They know who they are.

[MaryM]

Yes "they" can and we had alot of fun!

[gwittich]

Of course they know, who they are.
Shaken Not Stirred stirred the pot during the Icicle series. I contacted Kevin regarding ratings for flying a spin before we (Figaro) hoisted ours on the second Rum race. Kevin's response was to go ahead with our (at that time) current handicap rating, because the ratings would be adjusted anyway according to results.
I believe Kevin's and GBCA's intentions in creating the handicap class was to entice more cruisers to come out on the bay and so far this has been a very successful effort.
However, it may be worthwhile to consider splitting the class down the road - i.e. by the next Icicle or Rum series - into a spin and non-spin class.
There is no doubt in my mind that LYC and HYC would strongly support spin cruising classes for their distance races.
It would mean additional administrative work at GBCA and I would be glad to contribute as needed.
Gerhard Wittich

[Kevin Box]

This is the original answer to the spinnaker question:

You can go either way.  If you intend to use a spinnaker from the get-go, you should start with that rating when you register.  We encourage learning and development of skills, so if after some time you want to try one, go ahead and whip it out.  Your rating will adjust over time depending on its effect on your performance.

Good taste and the Corinthian spirit suggest that you don?t fly a kite for the first time during a major regatta.

Shaken not Stirred began the Icicle Series with their PHRF spinnaker rating, expecting to use a cruising chute when possible.

It's been my experience that it can go either way the first couple of times you try a spinnaker.  You may have flawless crew work or you may have "issues".  You might set it upside down.  You might have a thrilling kite reach on one leg, only to wind up "shrimping" for 20 minutes.

Again, it's all about getting new boats out, giving them a chance to try new things, have fun and maybe win a rum bottle now and then.  When it's time to get more serious, there are plenty of avenues available for that. 

[Leigh Ann]

Setting the spinnaker sideways can be very exciting also!

[Bee]

Great fun can be had by setting the spinnaker upside down.  This can easily happen at night when the head/clew/tack are not clearly identified. Its even more fun if you hoist the darn thing using the clew as the head.  That way you get maximum benefit of a very very very very long foot.  One can catch a lot of shrimp like this and if you have attached your grill to the stern you can end the experience with a nice shrimp feast.

That's my comment and I'm sticking to it.

[ChrisK]

Our boat is good for at least one sideways spinnaker set a season.
Usually right in front of the Turtle Club/Classic, full of patrons, friends, family, heads of state, media, and VIPs.
It's typically our most awesome hoist of the year, with the lead position in our grasp....
You can actually hear the laughter from across the lake.  Ask me how I know.
I no longer laugh when I see someone in the same predicament. Ok, maybe a little...but on the inside.

The good news is members of my crew have reported that Sharpie pens are good for more than just temporary tattoos, mustache pranks, scribbling down obscene phone numbers and creating the occasional indecipherable gang symbol on the bathroom stall.  
Sharpies actually work well on labeling the top of the spinnaker: "Head" "This side up" or even a simple arrow should work.
Be aware that sometimes the sailmakers will put helpful labels on the spinnaker.  Other times they hide the (tiny) labels, put them on one side, fall off when they get wet, use the same colored tape, and perform other Jedi mind trinks in an effort to confuse your crew.

Our boat is well overdue for a good shrimpin' this year.  I suspect that maybe the shrimp are running late and/or the sailing gods have smiled upon thee.  It must have been the two wench handle offerings we threw overboard in one race this past spring. Our luck cannot possibly last the entire season...  

[Eric713]

Lil Bit A Sol finished 2nd in Rum #5 with ten year old sails.  We ain't afraid of no "STINKIN" SPINNAKERS!  More light air please for Rum 6.   

[gwittich]

That's why your boat is also known (at least on Figaro) as "Lil ol' b...."

[Eric713]

Curse you RED BARON!!