Alfie that was impressive on all levels, the demonstration, instruction, explanation and all while filming using some great camera angles. Great scenic backdrop too.👍
It’s so refreshing to have a sailing channel discussing sailing. As a novice, I find this very helpful and interesting. I wish there was more of this. Thanks much.
We always tell the crew to stand BEHIND the pole at all times NOT infront of it. Also the halyard led back to the cockpit rather than on the mast makes it easier to recover the chute under the boom & into the hatch. Better in a safer environment
"Only 16,000 subscribers" You deserve much, much more and I, for one, will do my best to encourage new people to discover your wonderful channel. Carry on.
This is the kind of instructional video that I enjoy the most. Excellent explanation and repeated procedures to help fully understand the technique. I appreciate the perfect video angles and the clear audio, and as others pointed out, the beautiful scenery. Well done. Thanks so much for creating this video and sharing with all sailors out there.
You always make everything look so easy! Your videos are amazingly educational, easy to understand, and easy to watch. A great combination of information and entertainment. THANKS for doing what you do!!!
Hi Alfie, I Did not think about moving the spinnaker pole down to make the sail like a head sail,what a great idea . You can also use lazy lines on each side, so what you do is let go of the sheet move the pole to the other side and with the other lazy sheet hook it on ,now used that to bring the pole around. By using the lazy sheet you don't have to try and fight the guy .you just pick up the lazy one and of you go.
Yes, that was a tip I learned many years ago and it really increases the range of the spinnaker. :) Although I have never used double sheets and guys, I have heard they are great so I hope to try that set up one day! :)
Thanks for taking the time to show this. When I get my next boat, I know my wife won't always be there, so this is a big boost to the dream of sailing a bigger boat by myself (last boat was an oversized, gaff rigged, dinghy really) Thanks again.
The best video on flying a spinnaker that I have run across. Also the map at the end is a very nice and thoughtful touch. I have never flown a spinnaker and there are times when I wish I had the nerve to attempt it. But I single hand 95% of the time. Were I to try it I can see a really great Chinese fire drill happening on board! Only seven more weeks and I head back to Whidbey Island, wake up my boat and head North!
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it!! I'd say if you are going to give it a try just do it in light air, not much to worry about in those kind of conditions and if it doesn't work out so well at least it was in light air. ha I hope that the next 7 weeks go fast for you!! :)
Beautiful weather. Great teaching video and your boat is always looking immaculate. I enjoy your channel...there is always something to learn. Well done👍
Thank you so much for the hard work you put into your videos! I learned a lot! And I'm grateful for the clean audio! So many people put loud music in background and you can't hear their voices and it's distracting. The sound of your voice, the wind and the waves are plenty for me!
That was an outstanding explanation and demonstration Alfie. Thank you for sharing it with us all. There is noting like spinnaker sailing. I have aways been just a bit afraid to fly it myself. Thank you for showing the way, and giving me the confidence perhaps to give it a try ,,,,,,, in LIGHT air of course.
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it! Some are intimidated by the spinnaker and I hope I was able to show that it is not such a scary sail to use! Trying it in light air leaves lot so room for safety! :)
Thanks for the step-by-step for single handers! Spinnaker sailing is the one area that I'm still pretty intimidated by. I have a symmetrical spinnaker that I sometimes use like an asymmetrical, with a connection that I made for the tack that goes around the furled headsail,... it works, but definitely not how a symmetrical was designed to fly!
You are welcome and glad you enjoyed it! I know that the spinnaker intimidates some people so I wanted to show everyone that it is not such a scary sail to use. ha
I picked up some tricks! The worst is when the spinker gets in the water and you're pulling on a small swimming pool size of water to get it out....had that happen once on a racing boat off the coast of Santa Barbara during a round up/knock down. It wasn't pretty.
Great video again Alfie, might be the camera angle, does your inner shroud on the port side flex when close hauled as there looks to be some movement in it at 1:25-30. Simon
Suggestion for an episode. What are your thoughts on using ais or sat plb? Wearing a lifejacket? When sailing alone or with company. The cold watertemp near you. And all variations of these combined.
Put the pole end on your shoulder and stand with the mast between you and the pole end. That way if the pole goes wild it goes away from you and does not hit you in the face. Plus the mast acts as a shield. Push it unto the mast from off your shoulder. Good video.
👍Nice clip I felt the cold breeze from Tacoma so felt bit at home I want to thank my mother of my child God rest her soul (peacefully resting) all it took was one argument that's the day I learned how to in action solo sail now that my life is in a limit now I'm selling trading EVERYTHING and living out my days on the water was nice to see another Northwests Best be blessed 🙏🌬️💨⛵🤙
Really interesting seeing the process, and well filmed, I haven't found many sailing videos that show the actual sailing process as well as you did, thanks! However not being a sailer I'll have to watch it again to understand more of the lingo you used. :)
Pleasure to watch and very inspiring to have a crack on my new bigger boat Apart from the sense of achievement and pleasure flying it,how many knots gained do you think in those conditions? Thanks for posting
Definitely a fun sail to fly and so many variables to measure the speed advantage you get, but I can say for sure that you will have a downwind speed gain with this sail vs white sails. :)
Well done Alfie, remember one of your first videos on symetrical spinnakers. This one went far more smoothly. The one sail most single handers dread as things can go wrong so quickly. I too love the challenge of single handing. Big thumbs up
Thank you! I remember that older video. haha I agree that many people are intimidated by the spinnaker and I hope that I was able to show that it can be done single handed. :)
Great video and explanation. I just wonder if gennaker would be easier single handed? Fixed spot at the bow and one sheet on either side. Gybe is just matter of releasing one and tightening the another.
Thank you and for sure a gennaker is easier to use. I may do a video about that sail in the future to show the difference. I just wanted to show people that a spinnaker can be sailed single handed as some are intimidated by it. :)
I'll be working on that technique this summer. So, thank you for the great example Alfie. As always, your videos are fun and informative. From Alaska, S/V Merry Dancer
Hi, nice explanation. I noted a couple of things : 1/ when first gybing at 14:15, you start forward of the pole, then behind by ducking under it. Then you get yourself just in line with the pole (frame a 14:22). This is very dangerous, a small wave or spinnaker slam would send the pole in your face. When behind the mast, just slide yourself port and keep out of this line before you set the pole back on mast. 2/ on your second gybe 15:40 you ducked two time, so didn't get in line, that's better but I'm still wondering why you have to duck like this. 3/ on third and fourth time, I understand why you are so struggling : the lifeline interact with the downhaul. I'm not sure how to improve this. Maybe instead of starting in front of the pole, you can start behind it, so the lifeline will always be aft of the downhaul. You'll have to pick the new guy after removing the pole from the mast. I think it will also make easier to pass the genoa line on top of the pole. I'm not sure if your lifeline will be long enough for this anyway so you may need to anchor it to the mast directly. What do you think ?
Great Video and explanation...simple, direct, no weird music etc..Thank you. I have a 40 ft ketch that I single-hand most of the time. I am about to add a spinnaker and have never sailed with one before. When you gybe, could you lower the pole on the mast to reduce the awkwardness of having to connect the pole so high up (overhead)?..or is it pretty well all held controllable by the downhaul and topping lift? Another question...is the end for end a lot easier than just switching one end? Thanks for your efforts on our behalf.
Glad you enjoyed this episode. The pole height at the mast is adjustable. The common though is that the higher the pole, the better the wind. I have my pole height set for a comfortable level for me to manage so I would suggest you do that as well. Some poles can be switched end for end and others can be used as a dip pole, meaning the end at the mast is raised to allow the front end of the pole to 'dip' just inside the forestay. Usually this is done with larger poles. Good luck with your spinnaker! Alfy
Great Video, thanks! Have you ever tried making a fig 8 knot in the end of the halyard and throwing it over board, perhaps with one round on the winch. That way you lower the spinnaker against the drag of the halyard in the water. One more hand for the spi. Also the halyard is straight without any curls.
Thanks. :) I often use my genoa or gennaker sail, but I wanted to show everyone that it is possible to use a spinnaker single handed. :) Looking forward to the good weather!
Thank you and nice to hear you also have a C&C - Great boats! The specs are on my website www.lifeislikesailing.com and if you browse the videos you can find lots of info about the boat. :)
Glad you enjoyed it and it sure was a nice day! I usually look at boat speed and how it is handling to determine time to take it down. Once the boat is staying above 9knots I usually take it down.
Alfie, is it better toi have a spinnaker for downwind sailing, or a gennaker especially when single handing? I woulod think a gennaker would be better as you wouldn't really have to worry about a pole.....just sheets.
I gennaker is definitely easier and I use one often when single handing the boat. I think the spinnaker is a better sail, but more work for sure. I just wanted to show everyone that you can single hand a spinnaker as a lot of people are intimidated by it. :)
An Asym (gennaker) is definitely easier to handle, but just like a genny it gets blanketed by the main when going deep downwind. The pole on the sym chute allows you to go deep downwind without going wing/wing.
Nicely done, I’ve never been brave enough to fly my chute while singlehanding, but maybe after watching this I’ll try it in light airs :) Thats a great tip about centering the main. One important thing you didn’t mention is that you had autopilot on to steer a straight course while you are on deck. I don’t have autopilot but I do have a wind vane for self steering. The Prince Rupert scenery is spectacular, especially on a sunny day! I’ve been there for work many times and always wanted to sail there. Make you a deal: I’ll take you sailing in Vancouver on my Beneteau 31 if you take me out in PR ;)
Thanks and it really isn't too difficult in lighter conditions. :). Yes, having the auto helm is important. Nice you have been to Prince Rupert and we love it there, although we aren't living there anymore. We will be back eventually to live and cruise the area again, but right now we have our sailboat on Vancouver Island and we have purchased a 1979 Has Christian 43 ketch so watch out for us on s/v Northern Dancer V. :)
Great video, loved the instructional nature of it. I don’t have a spin on my boat, but was sailing with a friend and he says to keep the pole at 90 degrees to the wind. Is that how you fly it, or do you have another way of deciding the angle of the pole while sailing it?
Thanks for the instruction. Glad it was fairly calm or no one is going to want to try it! Easy to follow and well thought out and explained. That's what I needed. Is there a reason the pole is handled and hooked up with the jaws opening upward and not downward? Are those 11 people who don't like your video family members?! ;)
Glad you enjoyed it. :) The jaws go upward so that when you release the pole gravity helps it fall into your hands and when you re-attach the pole it is a straight up push. Otherwise you'd always have to lift up and over if the jaws were facing downward.
How active was the autohelm during the jibe? I'm wondering if you would do a jibe with a tiller lock device, like a tiller clutch or such tie off, or only with a course correcting autohelm.
I have fighting cancer for 5yrs and you have a Westsail 42. Congrats. I still watch Sail lfe, as well...
easy to understand basic manevour for spinnaker. Best video for cruiser .
Still the best sailing videos on UA-cam.
So glad you enjoy them! :)
Alfie that was impressive on all levels, the demonstration, instruction, explanation and all while filming using some great camera angles. Great scenic backdrop too.👍
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it! :)
WoW! I thought this was the BC coast! So beautiful!
It’s so refreshing to have a sailing channel discussing sailing. As a novice, I find this very helpful and interesting. I wish there was more of this. Thanks much.
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed this episode! I agree that there are not a lot of videos out there that actually talk about sailing techniques. :)
We always tell the crew to stand BEHIND the pole at all times NOT infront of it. Also the halyard led back to the cockpit rather than on the mast makes it easier to recover the chute under the boom & into the hatch. Better in a safer environment
nice to be here with you ! :)
"Only 16,000 subscribers" You deserve much, much more and I, for one, will do my best to encourage new people to discover your wonderful channel. Carry on.
Thanks so much! I can use all the help I can get so much appreciated!! :)
Greetings from Ottawa! Wish I could splash our boat watching you sail is the next best thing. Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed coming along and I hope you can get your boat back in the water soon!!
This is the kind of instructional video that I enjoy the most. Excellent explanation and repeated procedures to help fully understand the technique. I appreciate the perfect video angles and the clear audio, and as others pointed out, the beautiful scenery. Well done. Thanks so much for creating this video and sharing with all sailors out there.
So glad you enjoyed this instructional episode!
You always make everything look so easy! Your videos are amazingly educational, easy to understand, and easy to watch. A great combination of information and entertainment. THANKS for doing what you do!!!
Thank you so much and so glad you enjoy these types of videos! Stay tuned for more!! :)
Hi Alfie,
I Did not think about moving the spinnaker pole down to make the sail like a head sail,what a great idea .
You can also use lazy lines on each side, so what you do is let go of the sheet move the pole to the other side and with the other lazy sheet hook it on ,now used that to bring the pole around. By using the lazy sheet you don't have to try and fight the guy .you just pick up the lazy one and of you go.
Yes, that was a tip I learned many years ago and it really increases the range of the spinnaker. :) Although I have never used double sheets and guys, I have heard they are great so I hope to try that set up one day! :)
I like how you try too be so careful to explain yourself, you are a good teacher, don't care what other say
Thank you! :)
Great job and sublime teacher. Love 🇨🇦
So glad you enjoyed it. :)
Nice instruction all by your own from all angles.
Thank you and glad you enjoyed it!
A great instructional video conducted with beautiful scenery as a backdrop.Thank you.
Thank you and it sure is great to be sailing in such a beautiful place!
Thanks for taking the time to show this. When I get my next boat, I know my wife won't always be there, so this is a big boost to the dream of sailing a bigger boat by myself (last boat was an oversized, gaff rigged, dinghy really) Thanks again.
Glad you enjoyed it and I hope you'll be able to get out for some spinnaker sailing on a larger sailboat! :)
The best video on flying a spinnaker that I have run across. Also the map at the end is a very nice and thoughtful touch. I have never flown a spinnaker and there are times when I wish I had the nerve to attempt it. But I single hand 95% of the time. Were I to try it I can see a really great Chinese fire drill happening on board! Only seven more weeks and I head back to Whidbey Island, wake up my boat and head North!
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it!! I'd say if you are going to give it a try just do it in light air, not much to worry about in those kind of conditions and if it doesn't work out so well at least it was in light air. ha I hope that the next 7 weeks go fast for you!! :)
Excellent explanation, very well presented.
Thank you!
Thank you for the excellent spinnaker instructional guide. Hard to believe you were out there in March.
You are welcome and so glad you enjoyed coming along for some March sailing!
Great job soloing with a spinnaker! The instruction was very clear.
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it!
Beautiful weather. Great teaching video and your boat is always looking immaculate. I enjoy your channel...there is always something to learn. Well done👍
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed coming along and learning a thing or two! :)
Well done Alfy , you have inspired me to set up and use the old triradial spinnaker that came with our boat, thanks !
Thank you! I hope you will give it a try and I hope it goes well for you! :)
Great instructional video I really enjoy your step by step explanation.
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it!
Really well made and confidence building video.. make more!!
Excellent video
Clean and clear. Thank you.
Thank you and glad you enjoyed it. :)
Very well paced and thorough explanation so thanks - I learned a lot from your video.
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it! :)
Nice going with the light air gybes
Thanks!
Wow! Those are the kinda days you live for . . .
They sure are!!
Thank you so much for the hard work you put into your videos! I learned a lot! And I'm grateful for the clean audio! So many people put loud music in background and you can't hear their voices and it's distracting. The sound of your voice, the wind and the waves are plenty for me!
You are welcome and so glad you enjoyed this one. It was a lot of fun making it so I am glad others can enjoy!
Very informative ty Alfy I single hand most time myself
Glad you found this one informative. Nice to know there are other single handed sailors out there! :)
Good job, really useful and clear demonstration, thanks for sharing fair winds mate
Thank you for this excellent video.
You are welcome and so glad you enjoyed it!
Very interesting and informative. It gave me the confidence to give my spinnaker a try singlehanded on my C&C33 MK 1 .
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it! Good luck with trying it on your 33! :)
Thank you.
Great explanations and images.
Thank you sir..great relaxed simple to the point and good camera angles, good audio - wow!...cheers.
You are welcome and so glad you enjoyed this demonstration!
Thank you for the Video! That was great instruction...
WOW I didn't even know you could single hand a spinnaker, well done!
Oh yes, not so difficult really! Some people are intimidated by the spinnaker so I hope this showed that it is not such a scary sail. ha
I wish I could give you two thumbs up :)
Nice job and great instruction! Thank you. 🐬
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it!
Smooth. I need to practice this one. Thanks!
Great video and very well explained. Always enjoy your videos.
Thank you and so glad you enjoy the videos!!
That was an outstanding explanation and demonstration Alfie. Thank you for sharing it with us all. There is noting like spinnaker sailing. I have aways been just a bit afraid to fly it myself. Thank you for showing the way, and giving me the confidence perhaps to give it a try ,,,,,,, in LIGHT air of course.
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it! Some are intimidated by the spinnaker and I hope I was able to show that it is not such a scary sail to use! Trying it in light air leaves lot so room for safety! :)
so love Moonshine!
Alfie that's really impressive solo sail handling skills. Thanks for the video.
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it!
You made it look easy Alfie. My goal i s to get my spinnaker flying this year! Thanks for the motivation.
Thank you! I hope you get the spinnaker out of the bag for sure! :)
Very good and informative!
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it. :)
Wow! Excellent demonstration! I enjoyed it a lot and am now tempted to try it myself 😁
Thank you and if you have light winds it might be worth a try! A lot of people are intimidated by the spinnaker, but it really isn't so bad. ha
Thanks for the step-by-step for single handers! Spinnaker sailing is the one area that I'm still pretty intimidated by. I have a symmetrical spinnaker that I sometimes use like an asymmetrical, with a connection that I made for the tack that goes around the furled headsail,... it works, but definitely not how a symmetrical was designed to fly!
You are welcome and glad you enjoyed it! I know that the spinnaker intimidates some people so I wanted to show everyone that it is not such a scary sail to use. ha
Really enjoyed your video. Thanks.
Thank you and glad you enjoyed it!
Great demonstration thank you
Thank you and you are welcome! :)
Well done, I may have try flying my spinnaker by myself this coming summer
Thank you and I hope you give it a try! :)
I picked up some tricks! The worst is when the spinker gets in the water and you're pulling on a small swimming pool size of water to get it out....had that happen once on a racing boat off the coast of Santa Barbara during a round up/knock down. It wasn't pretty.
Glad you pick up a couple things! I agree that getting the spinnaker wet is no fun at all, but combined with a knock down is even worse!
Wow Alfy thanks, I really needed this... So wonderfull... Brave man!!!!
You are more than welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!!
Perfect, thank you for taking the time to make this video 👍
You are welcome and so glad you enjoyed it. :)
Great video again Alfie, might be the camera angle, does your inner shroud on the port side flex when close hauled as there looks to be some movement in it at 1:25-30. Simon
Thanks and glad you enjoyed it Simon. Yes the leeward stays are a bit lose when sailing.
Beautiful!!! FW&FS!
Thank you!
Suggestion for an episode. What are your thoughts on using ais or sat plb? Wearing a lifejacket? When sailing alone or with company. The cold watertemp near you. And all variations of these combined.
All good ideas and I'll try to fit them in on future episodes. :)
Put the pole end on your shoulder and stand with the mast between you and the pole end. That way if the pole goes wild it goes away from you and does not hit you in the face. Plus the mast acts as a shield. Push it unto the mast from off your shoulder. Good video.
Glad you enjoyed this episode. :)
This is remarkable! Congratulations! You doing marvelous.
👍Nice clip I felt the cold breeze from Tacoma so felt bit at home I want to thank my mother of my child God rest her soul (peacefully resting) all it took was one argument that's the day I learned how to in action solo sail now that my life is in a limit now I'm selling trading EVERYTHING and living out my days on the water was nice to see another Northwests Best be blessed 🙏🌬️💨⛵🤙
Well done!! Good seamanship.
Thank you!
Thank you, very much appreciated.
You are welcome and so glad you enjoyed it!
Really interesting seeing the process, and well filmed, I haven't found many sailing videos that show the actual sailing process as well as you did, thanks! However not being a sailer I'll have to watch it again to understand more of the lingo you used. :)
So glad you enjoyed this type of videos and I hope it wasn't too confusing with the wording used. :)
Nice demo Alfie. You managed to capture it all from different camera angles. Well done.
Thank you and glad you enjoyed it!
"A spinnaker is a symmetrical sail..."
Amen! Preach it brother! 😉
haha, glad you enjoyed it!
Great job Alfie. I really enjoyed the different camera angles. Great exclamation of Jibing your spinnaker.
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it!!
well done thank you
glad you enjoyed it!
Pleasure to watch and very inspiring to have a crack on my new bigger boat
Apart from the sense of achievement and pleasure flying it,how many knots gained do you think in those conditions?
Thanks for posting
Definitely a fun sail to fly and so many variables to measure the speed advantage you get, but I can say for sure that you will have a downwind speed gain with this sail vs white sails. :)
Super cool.
this is awesome lesson thank you
You are welcome and so glad you enjoyed it!
Well done Alfie, remember one of your first videos on symetrical spinnakers. This one went far more smoothly. The one sail most single handers dread as things can go wrong so quickly. I too love the challenge of single handing. Big thumbs up
Thank you! I remember that older video. haha I agree that many people are intimidated by the spinnaker and I hope that I was able to show that it can be done single handed. :)
Merci pour les explications très claires, les prises de vue m'aide à comprendre car mon anglais n'est pas bon. 👍👍
Great video and explanation. I just wonder if gennaker would be easier single handed? Fixed spot at the bow and one sheet on either side. Gybe is just matter of releasing one and tightening the another.
Thank you and for sure a gennaker is easier to use. I may do a video about that sail in the future to show the difference. I just wanted to show people that a spinnaker can be sailed single handed as some are intimidated by it. :)
Great video brother! enjoyed it.
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it!!
Hi Alfy, nicely done as always.
Thank you!
Very nice. It’s snowing here in Juneau. :(
Thanks! I hope the snow melts soon for you!
All very nicely done!! 😍⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵😊👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you!!! :)
I'll be working on that technique this summer. So, thank you for the great example Alfie. As always, your videos are fun and informative. From Alaska, S/V Merry Dancer
You are welcome and glad you enjoyed the videos! Good luck with the spinnaker! :)
Hi, nice explanation. I noted a couple of things :
1/ when first gybing at 14:15, you start forward of the pole, then behind by ducking under it. Then you get yourself just in line with the pole (frame a 14:22). This is very dangerous, a small wave or spinnaker slam would send the pole in your face. When behind the mast, just slide yourself port and keep out of this line before you set the pole back on mast.
2/ on your second gybe 15:40 you ducked two time, so didn't get in line, that's better but I'm still wondering why you have to duck like this.
3/ on third and fourth time, I understand why you are so struggling : the lifeline interact with the downhaul. I'm not sure how to improve this.
Maybe instead of starting in front of the pole, you can start behind it, so the lifeline will always be aft of the downhaul. You'll have to pick the new guy after removing the pole from the mast. I think it will also make easier to pass the genoa line on top of the pole. I'm not sure if your lifeline will be long enough for this anyway so you may need to anchor it to the mast directly.
What do you think ?
Well done, man! Next time I will try single handed, too.
Thank you and I hope you have fun giving it a try! :)
Great Video and explanation...simple, direct, no weird music etc..Thank you. I have a 40 ft ketch that I single-hand most of the time. I am about to add a spinnaker and have never sailed with one before. When you gybe, could you lower the pole on the mast to reduce the awkwardness of having to connect the pole so high up (overhead)?..or is it pretty well all held controllable by the downhaul and topping lift? Another question...is the end for end a lot easier than just switching one end? Thanks for your efforts on our behalf.
Glad you enjoyed this episode. The pole height at the mast is adjustable. The common though is that the higher the pole, the better the wind. I have my pole height set for a comfortable level for me to manage so I would suggest you do that as well. Some poles can be switched end for end and others can be used as a dip pole, meaning the end at the mast is raised to allow the front end of the pole to 'dip' just inside the forestay. Usually this is done with larger poles. Good luck with your spinnaker! Alfy
Great Video, thanks!
Have you ever tried making a fig 8 knot in the end of the halyard and throwing it over board, perhaps with one round on the winch. That way you lower the spinnaker against the drag of the halyard in the water. One more hand for the spi. Also the halyard is straight without any curls.
Glad you enjoyed the video, I haven't tried that but sounds like a good idea. :)
Hey Alfie, haven"t checked on you in a bit. Your videos have really gotten great!
Thank you and welcome back and hope you enjoy some of the episodes you missed. :)
Great video...Nice to see some sailing (instead of motoring in the rain) 😬
Thanks and glad you enjoyed it! I'm glad I could get out some sailing in the sun too! :)
inspirational!
good job ,,, I wont set my spinnaker myself , ill just use my big genny on the furler ,, nice weather is comin to our coast ,,
Thanks. :) I often use my genoa or gennaker sail, but I wanted to show everyone that it is possible to use a spinnaker single handed. :) Looking forward to the good weather!
Just discovered your channel, im amazed I didnt stumble upon it earlier! Great content
Thank you and so glad you found our channel! I hope you enjoy some of the other episodes! Alfy & Devlin
Well done. Beautiful boat too. I recognize it as a C&C as I sail our 1973 30 MK1. Please tell us about your yacht.
Thank you and nice to hear you also have a C&C - Great boats! The specs are on my website www.lifeislikesailing.com and if you browse the videos you can find lots of info about the boat. :)
Great sail, you ever use a sail sock to make handling easier?
It sure was and I have sock for my gennaker sail and it sure make it easier. I like to keep my spinnaker clean without one. :)
TY!
Thanks! Very educational. That looked like a perfect day to put up the spinnaker alone, how much wind speed can the spinnaker take before it’s unsafe?
Glad you enjoyed it and it sure was a nice day! I usually look at boat speed and how it is handling to determine time to take it down. Once the boat is staying above 9knots I usually take it down.
Alfie, is it better toi have a spinnaker for downwind sailing, or a gennaker especially when single handing? I woulod think a gennaker would be better as you wouldn't really have to worry about a pole.....just sheets.
I gennaker is definitely easier and I use one often when single handing the boat. I think the spinnaker is a better sail, but more work for sure. I just wanted to show everyone that you can single hand a spinnaker as a lot of people are intimidated by it. :)
An Asym (gennaker) is definitely easier to handle, but just like a genny it gets blanketed by the main when going deep downwind. The pole on the sym chute allows you to go deep downwind without going wing/wing.
Nicely done, I’ve never been brave enough to fly my chute while singlehanding, but maybe after watching this I’ll try it in light airs :) Thats a great tip about centering the main. One important thing you didn’t mention is that you had autopilot on to steer a straight course while you are on deck. I don’t have autopilot but I do have a wind vane for self steering. The Prince Rupert scenery is spectacular, especially on a sunny day! I’ve been there for work many times and always wanted to sail there. Make you a deal: I’ll take you sailing in Vancouver on my Beneteau 31 if you take me out in PR ;)
Thanks and it really isn't too difficult in lighter conditions. :). Yes, having the auto helm is important. Nice you have been to Prince Rupert and we love it there, although we aren't living there anymore. We will be back eventually to live and cruise the area again, but right now we have our sailboat on Vancouver Island and we have purchased a 1979 Has Christian 43 ketch so watch out for us on s/v Northern Dancer V. :)
Oh, to be young and fit again !!
I don't always feel that way! haha
nice.
Great video, loved the instructional nature of it. I don’t have a spin on my boat, but was sailing with a friend and he says to keep the pole at 90 degrees to the wind. Is that how you fly it, or do you have another way of deciding the angle of the pole while sailing it?
Thank you and I usually keep the pole 90 degrees to the wind. :)
Thanks for the instruction. Glad it was fairly calm or no one is going to want to try it! Easy to follow and well thought out and explained. That's what I needed. Is there a reason the pole is handled and hooked up with the jaws opening upward and not downward? Are those 11 people who don't like your video family members?! ;)
Glad you enjoyed it. :) The jaws go upward so that when you release the pole gravity helps it fall into your hands and when you re-attach the pole it is a straight up push. Otherwise you'd always have to lift up and over if the jaws were facing downward.
@@lifeislikesailing Thanks.
How active was the autohelm during the jibe? I'm wondering if you would do a jibe with a tiller lock device, like a tiller clutch or such tie off, or only with a course correcting autohelm.