Hi Patrick, I have been followingyour movies and learned so much. Really like the “defensive sailing attitude” and all the explanations and shared experiences. Please keep up with awesome“work”!! Cheers and fair winds!
Patrick I pressed the like button on the video as you danced to the light of day. Your videos are awesome, keep making them, they are always a joy to watch. 😎
Nice docking in France. Well done! The French dude on the adjacent yacht looked a little panicked, maybe the bow thruster woke him up? When he realised you had done it perfectly a hearty 'Bonjour' and he realised he wasn't having a muppet or a WAFI as a new neighbour.
William J puts it so succinctly :-))). Run spinnakers all the time on a race boat BUT with crew so not a true comparison. For what it's worth, we usually launch the spin deeper (150 TWA +) to get it up within protected air behind the Main (and typically the jib as well on a race boat, then quickly drop the jib) - this way it hits full hoist without setting and we then load up the sheet to set. Tack would always be close to the centreline so that kite can't set to leeward. This (almost always !!) avoids partial inflation and wraps when air gets into the spin before it is at full hoist. Then sail up to desired TWA to power up and tweak with the tack line to get the desired rotation. Still an awesome job to get a sizeable asso up (and down!!!) single handed, so take nothing away. FWAFS, BB
I purposely come up higher Bill (120°) because once when I was launching deep, the top wrapped clockwise, and the bottom counter-clockwise. Nightmare. Fortunately, the wind wasn't blowing too hard. I always believed it was because I was too deep (and too slow raising the sock), so I started coming up a bit into the wind (with no real science behind that other than a desire to keep the sail away from the forestay!). The disadvantage to this is that the tack is really quite extended when I launch (because I launch so far away from the bowsprit). I'll give a try to your method. I really want to become more comfortable with this sail! Thanks for the comment.
I love your way of explaining everything you're planning to do and then demonstrating it. It helps a lot to learn your sails handling techniques. Thanks for sharing.
dancing NO sailing yes ,, great video Patrick and yes the life line in slack wing with a spinnaker I would untether also ,,,,, Again great video Mate Rob NSW Australia
I think that is clearly a preferred method if you don't have a sock, but with a sock, I think the shielding is less necessary. The real beauty of the sock comes into play when bringing the sail down (not so much when putting it up). Bringing down a spinnaker without a sock is probably something I would not do as a solo sailor (though many do). Just too much sail, and too many things that can go wrong. Someone else suggested I launch and retrieve with the sock behind the unfurled genoa as you suggest. I may give it a try to see how it works.
Interesting. I currently don't use a sock, but have been given one by a chap who said he never used it. I need to sit with my sailmaker over a cup of coffee and get him to modify it for my sail. Regards Sandy
Patrick - thanks for these videos. They're abundantly practical and full of the "little lessons" (both in sailing and in life). The explanations on how things work/how to do things are elegant in their simplicity, and your humble perspective is quite refreshing. Thanks!
I always enjoy your videos, I have a split reacher made from spinnaker cloth on my boat the luff is in the middle of the sail like a butterfly, no hanks a torque rope is sewn into the luff, and a Profur Nex 5 flying sail Furler has better control than my sock and spinnaker. I can spread the sail wing on the wing or let the windward half of the sail overlap the other half by bringing the lazy sheet, as there are two sheets per side. This setup means you don't need to tender the sail or experience a rap, and it takes the risk out of tacking. Plus, you can reduce the size of the sail. The sail area is the same as a spinnaker, and you can reduce it in half by dropping the windward sheet and pulling on the spare lazy sheet on the leeward side. One other thing because you're not trying to sail the boat under a flying spinnaker the boat is pulled by the nose of the boat if you like. I find I can catch and pass boats with flying spinnakers. As the boat is more stable under sail and I can tack as I like. Love your videos keep up the good work SV Skoiern IV
Wow, that is a really unique set-up you have. I don't think I have ever seen one rigged like that. I was tempted to buy an ISTEC Parasailor because a friend has one and loves it (self-corrects in a gust). Did you buy yours from a company, or make it yourself from a design? Sounds interesting!
@@patricklaine6958 Hi Patrick Elvstrom sails and Norths make them, here is a link mine are built from spinner cloth. in France a long time ago for the BOC race. ua-cam.com/video/Ip5oW4TZz4Q/v-deo.html
That's adorable. I learn so much from your videos-experiences. There's so much such joy in them and they're done with a real and wonderful commitment to learning.
Hi Patric, I recommend investing in a Selden spinnaker furler. Fairly reasonably priced and makes single handing a breeze. You will end up using your spinnaker way more and can stow it safely in higher wind conditions as long as you blanket it properly with the main. Fair winds!
Hello Patrick, Great video as usual, and one that us normal sailors can relate to! In order to feel more comfortable with our asymetric we took an afternoon coaching session. Also of great help for me is the video #2 by Stan Thuret on UA-cam. We had an asymetric with a sock and found it a hassle, so we now fly the gennaker from a furler and the asymetric from the bag. From what I see on your video, you only need to practise more often to get over the psychological hurdle :). Keep posting for us! Bruce
I twice scheduled spinnaker training with a local pro six months ago, but we cancelled on both occasions due to too much wind, and then not enough. I really should follow up again. Nothing builds confidence faster than a bit of training with a pro. I"ll check out the Thuret video. Have not heard of that one before. Thanks
We used to sail with a salty former Navy officer in San Diego. We asked one day about flying the big symmetrical spinnaker and he said, “ We’re all friends. Let’s keep it that way and not use the spinnaker.”
Hi Patrick. I have an identical assymetrical spinnaker setup that I occasionally singlehand. I do more or less the same as you do with a couple of minor differences. - After I hoist the sail but before raising the sock I go back to the cockpit and tighten the tack line, then back to the bow to raise the sock. This is actually quite important. If the wind goes forward or a gust hits the sail while it's bagging out to the side like that it will knock the boat down right when you're walking around, not great. If the tack line is tight and the sheets are eased then the sail will simply luff until you're ready to sheet it home. Much like a jib would do. - I put a bit more tension into the tack line than you seem to. If you look at the luff of the sail in the video you'll see that the whole sail is getting blown to leeward. That's not ideal, particularly if you're close to the wind, say trying to beam reach. You're getting more heel and less drive out of the sail than you could and you can't point as high or as deep as you could. Sag in the luff is inevitable, even desirable sometimes but not too much. Play with it, see if it makes a difference to heel/speed. - The other problem with letting the tack blow around like that is chafe on the tack line. I don't know what kind of setup you have on your bow, I have a Selden removable sprit with a block on the end. I like to get the tack line all the way in so that the stopper ball is right to the block. This prevents chafe on the tack line. When sailing on long passages I've almost chafed through the tack line because I failed to do this. If necessary you might need to ease the halyard a bit to get the sail down there. Thanks for the terrific videos. I'd love to see a tiny bit more of what you do when you're in port.
Thanks A+19. I think that is really good advice. I'll try to pull the tack a bit tighter before launching. It actually was 'tight', but I'll pull a bit more material out of the sock (which will help my problem of the sail bunching up in the snuffer also). I too have a Selden bow sprit that extends out about a meter in front of the bow. That makes getting the tack tight before deployment a bit more difficult, but I agree with you --- less slack is better.
Hi Patrick, another most enjoyable and informative video, thank you. You asked for thoughts about the handling of the asymmetric spinnaker. I frequently sail singlehanded (or with inexpert crew) so I’ve developed techniques through trial and (lots of) error. Based on that, I’ve found it helpful to hoist the spinnaker in its sock with the Genoa still set. The result is that the sock is blanketed until I’m completely ready to unfurl the spinnaker. When preparing to hoist I set the tack of the spinnaker really low before unfurling, so that the sheet is the main influence as the collar of the sock rises towards the masthead. Depending on the wind and sea at the time, I roll away the Genoa either just before or just after unfurling the spinnaker. Then I adjust the tack for the conditions - the further aft the wind the longer the tack line. When taking down the spinnaker I first unroll the Genoa to blanket the wind and take the weight out of the spinnaker, which makes it easier to pull down the sock. My personal rules of thumb when singlehanded are (like you) not to carry the spinnaker at night; and to take it down in true wind speeds over 15 knots ... which in effect means that whatever the wind angle I’m aiming never to carry that sail in apparent winds over 12 knots. Also like you, I find harnesses more a trip hazard than a help on the foredeck! So I’m not always clipped on, but I wear a lifejacket with a hook and harness incorporated ... and my PLB is on a lanyard around my neck at all times, tucked into my jacket. No such thing as zero risk ... it’s all about mitigation. Anyhow, happy sailing .... thank you for sharing your adventures. Roy
Great suggestions Roy. I know the regatta guys often launch behind the genny like you describe. I'll give it a try. I too have a PLB on my life vest at all times (and I wear that life best any time I leave the boundaries of the marina). Many thanks again.
Absolutely! Don't make the mistake of furling the foresail before hoisting and deploying the spi. Keep your genoa fully out and sheeted flat, or furled halfway but still flat if in lighter wind. In addition to the advantages listed by Roy, a deployed & flattened foresail prevents the spi from accidentally rolling around the forestay. When hoisting the sock, I actually bring in the tackline as much as I can, and same with the sheet. This way the spi starts to fill sooner and it makes hoisting the sock easier. When it's time to dropping the sock, I roll out some headsail first and sheet it flat then I release the tackline until the spi starts to flag, then I bring the sheet in board, secure it there and then pull down the sock. When jibing, try flagging it out (forward of the forestay) it looks scary, but it's actually a lot easier than hoisting the sock down then up. How much TW is too much for the spi depends on the material and how it is made. I can use mine up to 25 knts max. PS: I actually never had the same weather from start to finish everytime I crossed the bay. Always had a bit of rough patch either at the start, or in the middle, or at the finish. But never smooth all the way across. You must be blessed for getting those steady conditions.
Great comment Fesh Fesh. Not sure I need the genny out to lunch the spi. This is not where the real difficulty is. Indeed, on my sail, there is a tendancy for the sail to bunch up a little inside the sock, and it is helpful when I first begin to hoist the sock to grab the bottom of the sail and tug down a bit. (Having the genny out would not permit this.) On the other hand, I think your suggestion to unfurl the genny to recover the spi is a great idea. I'm going to try this the next time out. Many thanks.
@@patricklaine6958 before hoisting the sock, trim in both the tackline and the sheet to bring the tack closer to the bowsprit and the clew futher aft. That will stretch the foot of the spi fore and aft and force the bunched up spi out of the sock.
I think I do that now Fesh Fesh, but I'll try to do it more 'energetically' the next time out. As soon as I hoist the sock, I'll give another tug on the sheet and tack line before pulling the up-haul. Good tip.
The previous owner of my boat often sailed shorthanded and had a roller furling block added to the Gennaker, with a closed loop led back to the cockpit. I don't have a Genoa like you, only a standard Jib, and so the Gennaker fills the gap between 7 & 14kts True wind. It's not perfect. One in five times, the thin material nips back on itself during the furling process, and jams. Locking it from furling in or out. It's a sail I use in calm seas, good visibility and consistent wind. Thanks for the video.
Thanks Johnny. I have had the top of that sail wrapped clockwise around the stay, and the bottom wrapped counter clockwise. I thought I would never get it down, and afterward I swore, 'Never Again!" (but went out the next week and tried it again. :-) There is a major boat show in my home town in two weeks. I'm going to check out the furling spinnakers. I understand there are some fairly good ones now at reasonable prices.
That's exactly what happens with mine. Due to the slight arc in the leading edge, the top and bottom roll tighter, leaving some sag in the middle. It's the middle that has a tendency to nip in behind and lock. I've learned to stop furling, walk forward, and try to pull the loose mid section down. That's the only way I've found to encourage the nipped material free. Then it's a case of letting the sail out, and starting again. If possible add a quarter turn on the winch to take any sag out of the forestay. Have fun at the boat show. I'm looking forward to the Dusseldorf show in January.
I think without a doubt you are the best at docking a boat, on UA-cam, you always give the appearance of being in control ( you notice I said appearance :-} ) . I enjoy your philosophy of single handed sailing. As a not so spry chicken anymore of numerous years, I always do things with much more caution than I did when I was young, I think they call that experience. Enjoy your videos, always a treat to watch.
You nailed it Orville --- "appearance". To be honest, at every docking situation (other than my home port), I wonder what surprise awaits me (wind, current, short catway, awkward line handler on the dock……) I'm far from comfortable yet. Hope springs eternal that one day this will all become very routine. Not there yet. Thanks for the kind remark.
Well done Patrick! I agree about the lifelines, sometimes they'll the cause of a bigger problem. With not too rough weather you're more than forgiven. Enjoy your beer. You deserve it. Cheers 🍺
I'm going to test a method to launch the spinnaker from the cockpit. If it works, that could be very interesting (and much safer)…… Thanks for watching Carlos
@@patricklaine6958 yes, I prepared the snuffer line for that too. But in reality one wants to be in front of the mast to see how everything goes. I sewed my sock myself. With ripstop nylon and sailcloth. Extremely satisfying to see it work. Looking forward to see your solution. All the best, Carlos
Patrick, thank you for your wonderful video series.We forgive you for dancing. One of the nice things about singlehanded sailing is how it allows us to become ourselves when far form the madding crowd.
HEY Patrick, Hammer you, no, you're my inspiration. I have a Beneteau very similar in Texas, and am getting her ready to take out. You're ideas and techniques are teaching me a few things. Ron
Very kind of you rlj. Much appreciated. My objective is to say to people, you don't need to have the experience of one of those 'round the world' sailors to go out solo (or with a non-sailing spouse) and have a great time.
It's been a long few month's. Good to see you back out on the open ocean and sailing, whilst imparting practical single handed sailing techniques. Many thanks and fair winds sir.
Hi Patrick - in re spinnaker handling, what you might find helpful is getting a wichard quick release for your tack. It might help ease your comfort level at having it hoisted as the true wind picks up so you're not constantly trying to work that narrow 8 knot range of "do I bother putting it up & i better take it down". If all goes to hell and you're struggling with your sock - just blow the tack line., and it might be counterintuitive, but if you're concerned about bringing it down - head deeper downwind & blanket it with your main.
I actually have a quick release on the tack Shinybaldy, but I have a bowsprit and can not reach it when the sail is deployed. I usually release the sheet and tie a big granny knot in the end and toss it out in the water. It provides enough drag to keep a bit of tension in the sail and then with a bit of playing with the heading (as you suggest), I can pull down the sock. I think I would enjoy using this sail more if I used it in higher winds…...but can't bring myself to do that (yet). Maybe with a furling system……
Oh I see! I promise I'm not a hardware salesman - take a look at Tylaska T shackles (T12 would be about right for your boat). They can be easily fitted with a plug fid that you can fit into the trigger hole - you keep the fid tied off to a lanyard from where you can access it - and when you want to, pull on the lanyard and the shackle releases! Also lets you keep your head nice and low in case you're worried about getting smacked in the head while trying to get your spinnaker under control.
As someone else suggested Kleman, the only way to get comfortable, is to use it often. I really should throw it out much more often. Thanks for commenting.
As a deriveur and cat sailor I look forward to owning a keel boat someday soon, but I must say these videos are fantastik. Comme toujour merci mr. Laine
Love the channel, from your calm demeanor, I never would’ve guessed you were a Navy fighter pilot. You guys are the real deal, real life “The Right Stuff”. Kind of like Mr. Rogers meets Topgun :-)
Great to see you back skipper. Solo asymmetrical spinnaker flying - brave. In lighter winds we use the pole to pole-out the tack just off the forestry but I can’t imagine wanting to do that solo - we have a similar boat/rig to Isabelle. Fair winds and, as ever, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Andy. I have seen several videos of people using the pole on a spinnaker. I have never been tempted. It seems to make an already complex maneuver even more so with extra guys to keep track of, and even more time on the foredeck for a solo sailor. It looks like a younger man's game. :-)
Hello jr. Almost every season I head down your way, but I find Port Medoc a bit easier for a solo sailor, as the docking situation at Royan can be a bit of circus at times. I'm sure I'll make a port call in the region sometime soon.
I always appreciate your videos. Have seen them all! Man, where I would like to sail with you for a few days and soak up the many experiences to myself! But the videos are still giving a lot. I HAD my concerns about the "missing" lifelines, but I get your point! And, however, I hope and wish to have the same mobility and health as you, when I’m done on the job one day and can spend some time on long distance crusing. Tell your daughter that we understand the meaning of the long sails 😉 - and thanks for the dance! 😆
Yeah --- I'm not comfortable with the lifeline thing. It really is only when I work the spinnaker. I wish I had filmed my removal of the broken sail slider. I strapped myself to the mast! As others have suggested, they now make variations of spinnakers that can furl, and you can do almost everything from the cockpit. That is the safest solution. Thanks again Kenneth.
Your Videos are great, eventhough your sailing is much better then your dancing ;-) Thank you for the lovely coolness in which you perform your actions on board. Safe Sailings!
I have a spot between the bow and the mast where I can cleat off the control lines for the sock. This provides an additional safety of preventing the spinnaker from wrapping around the head stay as it functions as a barrier of sorts. I also put a mark on the control line of the sock, white tape on the blue line, to indicate which of the two lines to pull to bring the sock down. This is quite helpful at night when the deck lights don't allow you to see the top of the mast or in a crisis when you need to bring the sock down immediately and don't have time to think..just to act. Love your videos!
Great comment Ron. I too secure my sock on a hard point at the foot of the mast to keep it well away from that forestay. I am immediately going to follow your advice on putting tape on the haul-down/up. I always find myself trying to figure out which one to pull on. Simple solution to a common problem. Many thanks.
Great video, I have never single handle sailed with a spinnaker and after watching I can see why it would be very limited use for me except as you mention, long down wind passages and a constant vigilance on the changing conditions. I think you did a great job!
Many thanks David. I think if most single-handed sailors were polled, the answer would be that the spinnaker isn't used much. The only people I know who are truly comfortable with it (solo) are those who have done a lot of regatta racing. They build up their confidence and process while multi-crewed, and then transition to solo. I don't think this sail will ever become a 'daily' sail for me, but I am determined to get better at it.
Great to watch you sailing as ever Patrick. We enjoy flying spinnakers but there biggest drawback is that they demand constant attention. A long sail for us is one that lasts 7-8 hrs and so we can cope with that but if, like you, we were spending days or weeks at see then I think we would just pole out the genoa instead :-) as you rightly say when things go wrong with a spinnaker things can quickly escalate so they do demand some respect. Have fun
Someone else also suggested your video --- which I am sure I have already watched, but can't watch it here due to terrible wifi reception in the marina. You regatta guys are masters at this kind of thing. You make it seem so simple --- a symphony in motion. I always breathe a big sigh of relief when it's back in the turtle. ;-) I'll keep working at it though.
Hi again, I do have a gennaker sock but I think I'll go back to basics and I won't use it anymore (unless you have to change course often, such in a regatta) and I'll just hoist it from its sack, ready and tied to the deck, with the lines attached. Just hoist the halyard from the cockpit and then sheet in the lines.very simple. When it's time to drop it , I have a thin line from the cockpit to the shackle on the tack, pull that to open the quick relase shackle , sheet in the line and lower the halyard in the cockpit. NO NEED TO GO MANEUVERING ON DECK if the weather has got worse. 5 minutes to put it back in the sack, leaving the corners out ready for a new deployment. Fair winds!
Great comment Luca. I agree with much of what you have said. As you suggest, the value of the sock is not in putting the sail up. It's value is in lowering the sail very simply. I hear what you say about your technique for lowering. I have tried that method on another boat (as well as the 'letterbox method' under the mainsail) but didn't find those methods quite as simple as they sound…….. For the future, I think I will eventually invest in one of the furling systems that now exist for these kinds of sails. Going to the foredeck is both dangerous and difficult for an old guy like me. :-)
Hello Mac. Went MUCH smoother this time. BTW, all of the guide books say 3 meters in the channel and marina….. but I looked on my Navionics (deep dive) and it shows 1.5 m. There you go. I arrived and left this time on half tide. I'm in Sada today --- having done La Coruna a half dozen times already. Best to you my friend.
Hi Patrick ,ok found you on Marine Traffic also saw there is a regatta au large de Corme y Laxe . I don't know if you are heading that way but if so beware . I have not been to Sada yet , maybe with the new boat ! Have fun !
I'm just catching up on your videos. Great stuff and enjoyable. On the spinnaker instead of bringing a line from the tack back to a winch, put a short strop from the tack to an eye at the bow. Just attach the strop with a quick release snatch shackle, which keeps the tack of the sail in place (you never need to adjust the tack as you're not using a pole). On Gybing , run the lazy sheet around the outside of the forestay. To gybe let the clew go forward of the forestay, then pull in the lazy sheet on the new tack ( ie the sail passes ahead of the boat)
Thanks. Yes, I've tried both methods of gybing (inside and outside). My concern is that the sock frame will somehow wind around the stay the wrong way, and then I'm in big trouble ----- even more so now that I have added an inner forestay. I need to be VERY conservative as a solo sailor ---- so think I'll keep dropping the sock before each gybe.... Thanks for the good suggestion anyway.
@@patricklaine6958 ah ok. On racing boats the spinnaker is outside and above the forestay so no fear of wrapping. Ever think of a code 0 instead. Great cruising sail and stick on a furler free flying (no forestay) is easy to manage single handed.
Hello my friend Will. Let me remind you that the star of 'O Captain, My Captain' died just as his 'ship' arrived to safeharbor. ;-) I hope to avoid that fate. :-)
I haven't figured out how to use the lifeline and launch/retrieve the spinnaker at the same time James. The spinnaker requires a LOT of mobility, and split second responses or things can go terribly wrong. The alternative is to buy a furling spinnaker that can be launched from the safety of the cockpit. That may be coming soon. Thanks for commenting.
Hey Patrick another great video and I have to say good job on hoisting spinnaker solo my spinnaker has been used twice this yr and only with crew like yourself I sail solo most of the time and I won’t even attemp to fly it by myself so great on you for showing that it can be done cheers and stay safe
Many thanks for the kind comment. I wish I had the confidence of those regatta guys who fly these things without even thinking about it. I suppose confidence will come with practice, but I find every possible excuse for not flying it. :-)
Hello again Silky Yes this was a fun passage, but my personal favorite episode of this year is number 31. I really enjoyed that one, though nothing particularly dramatic happened. Just having a good time on my boat. Fair winds to you.
Loving your videos! Just had a good binge on your tour of Britain... Spinnaker: Personally I'd hoist the sock, THEN the tack in, THEN raise the sock. It should fly immediately, possibly also raising the sock automatically. Grinding the tack in when flying is very hard in a blow...
Good suggestion. I'll give some thought to that. My bow sprit sticks out about 1.5 meters off the bow. To bring the tack in before launch would cause a fairly large 'banana' in the sock (and risk bunching inside the sock as I try to hoist it), and also bring the sock closer to the forestay (where it could wind around it during those few extra seconds of delay before hoisting). Nonetheless, I do find the idea appealing -- so may try it, or at least partially pulling in the tack a bit more before pulling the sock off. Thanks for suggesting this for consideration.
If you have the tack in, so the luff is tight, no way is it going to wrap. Also the sock will be continually blown away from the forestay. All you've got to do then is trim the sheet! Richard.
Good to see more of your adventures. I don’t blame you for heading south, should allow you to extend the season. Looking forward to more of your boat handling demonstrations and tips.
Many thanks Div3r. I can't go too far south as there is a major boat show in my home port of La Rochelle at the end of the month, and I want to attend it to pick up a thing or two for my boat….. Fair winds and clear water to you.
These sails work great to keep the boat moving when you have little wind. It's more fun than motoring... You may want something like the ATN Spinnaker Tacker that will increase performance. Tack can move higher with little movement aft. This can open the luff to more air and fun. Check out the video linked on the atninc.com website. Roller balls also work and it maybe something you could make. Quick release is something you will want. You can blow the tack and the sail goes behind the main. Then it is easy to pull down the sock. It's easy to leave it up too long. We take ours down when the wind approaches 15 knots apparent. That could be 25+ true on our boat.
I watched a couple of videos on the ATN Tacker Douglas. Interesting ---- but I have a bow sprit that keeps the tack pretty far out in front of the genny --- I don't really see an advantage to the Tacker over my current set-up. That said, they did seem to be able to gybe very easily with little fuss (much more so than on my boat). I'll give it some more thought and review. Thanks for the suggestion.
Hi Patrick, Thanks again for turning a boring sundaymorning in a nice one! I sincerally hope this is the first one in a new series (?) Your video’s helped me a lot to find the courage to go solo!
All this ego stroking is not good to most men but you are a humble chap. I admire your skill and level headedness. Would love to jump on a boat with you for a couple of weeks to learn the ropes (pun intended). Keep up the good work.
“Dancing across the light of day” and cerveza! Maybe I should reconsider this long distance sailing thing 🤔 😁 another great one! bisous papa!
The embarrassed daughter. :-)
Lyrics from the song "Drops of Jupiter" by Train.
Patrick Laine obviously
You sail better than you dance, but you still dance better than me.. :-)
Hi Patrick,
I have been followingyour movies and learned so much. Really like the “defensive sailing attitude” and all the explanations and shared experiences.
Please keep up with awesome“work”!!
Cheers and fair winds!
Thanks for the great feedback 1Zemp. Much appreciated.
If you ever come to Lisbon give me a call. Love to buy you a beer and share some sailing adventures!
Another great post from you Patrick. Thanks.
Many thanks. I greatly appreciate the feedback.
Patrick I pressed the like button on the video as you danced to the light of day. Your videos are awesome, keep making them, they are always a joy to watch. 😎
Many thanks AD Fishing.
Nice docking in France. Well done! The French dude on the adjacent yacht looked a little panicked, maybe the bow thruster woke him up? When he realised you had done it perfectly a hearty 'Bonjour' and he realised he wasn't having a muppet or a WAFI
as a new neighbour.
Hi Patrick, thx for sharing your trip, good job ! Best regards Philip
Much appreciated Philip.
Welcome back, missed you. Thumbs up even before watching :)
Far too kind S Jay. Many thanks.
"It doesn't get any better than this" always gives me the shivers when someone says it on a sail
William J puts it so succinctly :-))).
Run spinnakers all the time on a race boat BUT with crew so not a true comparison. For what it's worth, we usually launch the spin deeper (150 TWA +) to get it up within protected air behind the Main (and typically the jib as well on a race boat, then quickly drop the jib) - this way it hits full hoist without setting and we then load up the sheet to set. Tack would always be close to the centreline so that kite can't set to leeward. This (almost always !!) avoids partial inflation and wraps when air gets into the spin before it is at full hoist. Then sail up to desired TWA to power up and tweak with the tack line to get the desired rotation.
Still an awesome job to get a sizeable asso up (and down!!!) single handed, so take nothing away.
FWAFS,
BB
I purposely come up higher Bill (120°) because once when I was launching deep, the top wrapped clockwise, and the bottom counter-clockwise. Nightmare. Fortunately, the wind wasn't blowing too hard. I always believed it was because I was too deep (and too slow raising the sock), so I started coming up a bit into the wind (with no real science behind that other than a desire to keep the sail away from the forestay!). The disadvantage to this is that the tack is really quite extended when I launch (because I launch so far away from the bowsprit). I'll give a try to your method. I really want to become more comfortable with this sail! Thanks for the comment.
Patrick Laine consider a furling asym for short handed or single handed sailing! Cheers
Dancing at the light of day - I laughed out loud!! That was great. Thanks, Patrick!
Thanks again for watching BayAreaBlues
I love your way of explaining everything you're planning to do and then demonstrating it. It helps a lot to learn your sails handling techniques. Thanks for sharing.
dancing NO sailing yes ,, great video Patrick and yes the life line in slack wing with a spinnaker I would untether also ,,,,,
Again great video Mate
Rob
NSW
Australia
Thanks for sharing another great video. You are an inspiration!
Thanks for the kind feedback Richard.
Good to see you back.
I have always been taught to hoist the spinnaker with the genoa out, roll it away and let it fill.
I think that is clearly a preferred method if you don't have a sock, but with a sock, I think the shielding is less necessary. The real beauty of the sock comes into play when bringing the sail down (not so much when putting it up). Bringing down a spinnaker without a sock is probably something I would not do as a solo sailor (though many do). Just too much sail, and too many things that can go wrong. Someone else suggested I launch and retrieve with the sock behind the unfurled genoa as you suggest. I may give it a try to see how it works.
Interesting. I currently don't use a sock, but have been given one by a chap who said he never used it. I need to sit with my sailmaker over a cup of coffee and get him to modify it for my sail.
Regards
Sandy
Good video. Simple, no frills sailing thanks for sharing. Sail Safe. Ant & Cid x
Very kind of you Ant & Sid. Much appreciated.
Patrick - thanks for these videos. They're abundantly practical and full of the "little lessons" (both in sailing and in life). The explanations on how things work/how to do things are elegant in their simplicity, and your humble perspective is quite refreshing. Thanks!
Very kind of you Steven. Thanks for following along.
Loved the dancing! Thanks again for another great video.
Many thanks or the encouragement. Much appreciated.
Another excellent video by an accomplished solo sailor. Well done. Very informative and a pleasure to watch.
I always enjoy your videos, I have a split reacher made from spinnaker cloth on my boat the luff is in the middle of the sail like a butterfly, no hanks a torque rope is sewn into the luff, and a Profur Nex 5 flying sail Furler has better control than my sock and spinnaker. I can spread the sail wing on the wing or let the windward half of the sail overlap the other half by bringing the lazy sheet, as there are two sheets per side. This setup means you don't need to tender the sail or experience a rap, and it takes the risk out of tacking. Plus, you can reduce the size of the sail. The sail area is the same as a spinnaker, and you can reduce it in half by dropping the windward sheet and pulling on the spare lazy sheet on the leeward side. One other thing because you're not trying to sail the boat under a flying spinnaker the boat is pulled by the nose of the boat if you like. I find I can catch and pass boats with flying spinnakers. As the boat is more stable under sail and I can tack as I like. Love your videos keep up the good work SV Skoiern IV
Wow, that is a really unique set-up you have. I don't think I have ever seen one rigged like that. I was tempted to buy an ISTEC Parasailor because a friend has one and loves it (self-corrects in a gust). Did you buy yours from a company, or make it yourself from a design? Sounds interesting!
@@patricklaine6958 Hi Patrick Elvstrom sails and Norths make them, here is a link mine are built from spinner cloth. in France a long time ago for the BOC race.
ua-cam.com/video/Ip5oW4TZz4Q/v-deo.html
@@johnmajewski1065 Thanks. Very interesting.
That's adorable. I learn so much from your videos-experiences. There's so much such joy in them and they're done with a real and wonderful commitment to learning.
Very kind of you. Much appreciated. I make lots of mistakes, but am too old to be too proud to show them. :-)
Hi Patric,
I recommend investing in a Selden spinnaker furler. Fairly reasonably priced and makes single handing a breeze. You will end up using your spinnaker way more and can stow it safely in higher wind conditions as long as you blanket it properly with the main. Fair winds!
I almost bought one at the big marine show this year Gerloczyek. Instead, I bought an inner forestay with furler and staysail. Maybe next year!
I'm learning so much just by watching your video and listening to your comments.
Very kind of you Kris. Many thanks.
Bonza video mate, missed your vids, made wet and damp Sunday lovely
Very kind Will. Thanks.
Nice passage and looks like you had very good weather and seas.
Yes ---- I've been across the Bay of Biscay almost 30 times now --- no two passages alike! She can be kind and gentle, or vicious and mean!
Hello Patrick,
Great video as usual, and one that us normal sailors can relate to!
In order to feel more comfortable with our asymetric we took an afternoon coaching session. Also of great help for me is the video #2 by Stan Thuret on UA-cam.
We had an asymetric with a sock and found it a hassle, so we now fly the gennaker from a furler and the asymetric from the bag.
From what I see on your video, you only need to practise more often to get over the psychological hurdle :).
Keep posting for us!
Bruce
I twice scheduled spinnaker training with a local pro six months ago, but we cancelled on both occasions due to too much wind, and then not enough. I really should follow up again. Nothing builds confidence faster than a bit of training with a pro. I"ll check out the Thuret video. Have not heard of that one before. Thanks
We used to sail with a salty former Navy officer in San Diego. We asked one day about flying the big symmetrical spinnaker and he said, “ We’re all friends. Let’s keep it that way and not use the spinnaker.”
Great story. With his wisdom, I'll bet he was an admiral. :-)
I would second that.
Patrick, thank god you sail solo better than you dance 😉. Nice to have you back!
Say what you will. 4 mermaids have asked for my number.
Hi Patrick. I have an identical assymetrical spinnaker setup that I occasionally singlehand. I do more or less the same as you do with a couple of minor differences.
- After I hoist the sail but before raising the sock I go back to the cockpit and tighten the tack line, then back to the bow to raise the sock. This is actually quite important. If the wind goes forward or a gust hits the sail while it's bagging out to the side like that it will knock the boat down right when you're walking around, not great. If the tack line is tight and the sheets are eased then the sail will simply luff until you're ready to sheet it home. Much like a jib would do.
- I put a bit more tension into the tack line than you seem to. If you look at the luff of the sail in the video you'll see that the whole sail is getting blown to leeward. That's not ideal, particularly if you're close to the wind, say trying to beam reach. You're getting more heel and less drive out of the sail than you could and you can't point as high or as deep as you could. Sag in the luff is inevitable, even desirable sometimes but not too much. Play with it, see if it makes a difference to heel/speed.
- The other problem with letting the tack blow around like that is chafe on the tack line. I don't know what kind of setup you have on your bow, I have a Selden removable sprit with a block on the end. I like to get the tack line all the way in so that the stopper ball is right to the block. This prevents chafe on the tack line. When sailing on long passages I've almost chafed through the tack line because I failed to do this. If necessary you might need to ease the halyard a bit to get the sail down there.
Thanks for the terrific videos. I'd love to see a tiny bit more of what you do when you're in port.
Thanks A+19. I think that is really good advice. I'll try to pull the tack a bit tighter before launching. It actually was 'tight', but I'll pull a bit more material out of the sock (which will help my problem of the sail bunching up in the snuffer also). I too have a Selden bow sprit that extends out about a meter in front of the bow. That makes getting the tack tight before deployment a bit more difficult, but I agree with you --- less slack is better.
Hi Patrick, another most enjoyable and informative video, thank you. You asked for thoughts about the handling of the asymmetric spinnaker. I frequently sail singlehanded (or with inexpert crew) so I’ve developed techniques through trial and (lots of) error. Based on that, I’ve found it helpful to hoist the spinnaker in its sock with the Genoa still set. The result is that the sock is blanketed until I’m completely ready to unfurl the spinnaker. When preparing to hoist I set the tack of the spinnaker really low before unfurling, so that the sheet is the main influence as the collar of the sock rises towards the masthead. Depending on the wind and sea at the time, I roll away the Genoa either just before or just after unfurling the spinnaker. Then I adjust the tack for the conditions - the further aft the wind the longer the tack line. When taking down the spinnaker I first unroll the Genoa to blanket the wind and take the weight out of the spinnaker, which makes it easier to pull down the sock. My personal rules of thumb when singlehanded are (like you) not to carry the spinnaker at night; and to take it down in true wind speeds over 15 knots ... which in effect means that whatever the wind angle I’m aiming never to carry that sail in apparent winds over 12 knots. Also like you, I find harnesses more a trip hazard than a help on the foredeck! So I’m not always clipped on, but I wear a lifejacket with a hook and harness incorporated ... and my PLB is on a lanyard around my neck at all times, tucked into my jacket. No such thing as zero risk ... it’s all about mitigation. Anyhow, happy sailing .... thank you for sharing your adventures. Roy
Great suggestions Roy. I know the regatta guys often launch behind the genny like you describe. I'll give it a try. I too have a PLB on my life vest at all times (and I wear that life best any time I leave the boundaries of the marina). Many thanks again.
Absolutely! Don't make the mistake of furling the foresail before hoisting and deploying the spi.
Keep your genoa fully out and sheeted flat, or furled halfway but still flat if in lighter wind. In addition to the advantages listed by Roy, a deployed & flattened foresail prevents the spi from accidentally rolling around the forestay.
When hoisting the sock, I actually bring in the tackline as much as I can, and same with the sheet. This way the spi starts to fill sooner and it makes hoisting the sock easier.
When it's time to dropping the sock, I roll out some headsail first and sheet it flat then I release the tackline until the spi starts to flag, then I bring the sheet in board, secure it there and then pull down the sock.
When jibing, try flagging it out (forward of the forestay) it looks scary, but it's actually a lot easier than hoisting the sock down then up.
How much TW is too much for the spi depends on the material and how it is made. I can use mine up to 25 knts max.
PS: I actually never had the same weather from start to finish everytime I crossed the bay. Always had a bit of rough patch either at the start, or in the middle, or at the finish. But never smooth all the way across.
You must be blessed for getting those steady conditions.
Great comment Fesh Fesh. Not sure I need the genny out to lunch the spi. This is not where the real difficulty is. Indeed, on my sail, there is a tendancy for the sail to bunch up a little inside the sock, and it is helpful when I first begin to hoist the sock to grab the bottom of the sail and tug down a bit. (Having the genny out would not permit this.) On the other hand, I think your suggestion to unfurl the genny to recover the spi is a great idea. I'm going to try this the next time out. Many thanks.
@@patricklaine6958 before hoisting the sock, trim in both the tackline and the sheet to bring the tack closer to the bowsprit and the clew futher aft. That will stretch the foot of the spi fore and aft and force the bunched up spi out of the sock.
I think I do that now Fesh Fesh, but I'll try to do it more 'energetically' the next time out. As soon as I hoist the sock, I'll give another tug on the sheet and tack line before pulling the up-haul. Good tip.
The true spirit of dad dancing 😊
The mermaids loved it, I can assure you. :-)
Well done again Patrick! You just keep on dancing to the light of day!
Welcome back Henk.
Yeah!! Patrick's back. This has made my weekend, thank you very much.
And many thanks for that kind remark Wayne.
The previous owner of my boat often sailed shorthanded and had a roller furling block added to the Gennaker, with a closed loop led back to the cockpit. I don't have a Genoa like you, only a standard Jib, and so the Gennaker fills the gap between 7 & 14kts True wind. It's not perfect. One in five times, the thin material nips back on itself during the furling process, and jams. Locking it from furling in or out. It's a sail I use in calm seas, good visibility and consistent wind. Thanks for the video.
Thanks Johnny. I have had the top of that sail wrapped clockwise around the stay, and the bottom wrapped counter clockwise. I thought I would never get it down, and afterward I swore, 'Never Again!" (but went out the next week and tried it again. :-) There is a major boat show in my home town in two weeks. I'm going to check out the furling spinnakers. I understand there are some fairly good ones now at reasonable prices.
That's exactly what happens with mine. Due to the slight arc in the leading edge, the top and bottom roll tighter, leaving some sag in the middle. It's the middle that has a tendency to nip in behind and lock. I've learned to stop furling, walk forward, and try to pull the loose mid section down. That's the only way I've found to encourage the nipped material free. Then it's a case of letting the sail out, and starting again. If possible add a quarter turn on the winch to take any sag out of the forestay. Have fun at the boat show. I'm looking forward to the Dusseldorf show in January.
Excellent info. I'll ask about this on the stands of the furling guys. Many thanks.
I am very glad to see you back. Thanks from western Canada.
Hello David. Many thanks.
Keep Dancing!! I enjoy your videos!!
I've promised my daughter to only dance off-camera henceforth. Many of my subscribers are greatly relieved. :-) Thanks for watching.
Always a pleasure sailing with you, Patrick.
Knowing it is difficult you made it look easy, good to see you sailing again.
Thanks again Barry. I don't think me and the spinnaker will ever be best friends, but my confidence grows using it each time. Fair winds.
Good to have you back Patrick, thanks for the enjoyable video.
Much appreciated Simon.
I think without a doubt you are the best at docking a boat, on UA-cam, you always give the appearance of being in control ( you notice I said appearance :-} ) . I enjoy your philosophy of single handed sailing. As a not so spry chicken anymore of numerous years, I always do things with much more caution than I did when I was young, I think they call that experience. Enjoy your videos, always a treat to watch.
You nailed it Orville --- "appearance". To be honest, at every docking situation (other than my home port), I wonder what surprise awaits me (wind, current, short catway, awkward line handler on the dock……) I'm far from comfortable yet. Hope springs eternal that one day this will all become very routine. Not there yet. Thanks for the kind remark.
I love your films! As all of us sailors we are better and worse than many!! Keep 'em coming if you can!
Ha! Many thanks J&J.
Well done Patrick!
I agree about the lifelines, sometimes they'll the cause of a bigger problem. With not too rough weather you're more than forgiven.
Enjoy your beer. You deserve it.
Cheers 🍺
I'm going to test a method to launch the spinnaker from the cockpit. If it works, that could be very interesting (and much safer)…… Thanks for watching Carlos
@@patricklaine6958 yes, I prepared the snuffer line for that too. But in reality one wants to be in front of the mast to see how everything goes. I sewed my sock myself. With ripstop nylon and sailcloth. Extremely satisfying to see it work.
Looking forward to see your solution.
All the best,
Carlos
I would love to watch a sailing for dummies guide by Patrick. Videos like his have really got me interested in learning to sail.
I'm well-qualified to make a dummy video! ;-)
A for video content, A for effort , B for execution but a definate C for dancing style !!
To each his own Roderick, but three mermaids asked me for a date after that dance. :-)
We on here, all await the publication of your father of the bride speech BTW. You owe us. We can't unsee that dance!
She has promised to forgive me in about ten years. :-)
Patrick, thank you for your wonderful video series.We forgive you for dancing. One of the nice things about singlehanded sailing is how it allows us to become ourselves when far form the madding crowd.
My daughter hasn't (yet) forgiven my dancing along the light of day. :-) Thanks for watching.
HEY Patrick,
Hammer you, no, you're my inspiration. I have a Beneteau very similar in Texas, and am getting her ready to take out. You're ideas and techniques are teaching me a few things.
Ron
Very kind of you rlj. Much appreciated. My objective is to say to people, you don't need to have the experience of one of those 'round the world' sailors to go out solo (or with a non-sailing spouse) and have a great time.
welcome back Sir , good to see you again. Not sure about the dancing =)
I only do it when I am alone and 500 miles from the nearest person. :-)
It's been a long few month's. Good to see you back out on the open ocean and sailing, whilst imparting practical single handed sailing techniques. Many thanks and fair winds sir.
Much appreciated Steve.
Excellent episode. I admire you greatly for the way you go about your sailing and I've learned a lot from you. Merci a vous!
Thanks for the kind feedback Richard.
Hi Patrick - in re spinnaker handling, what you might find helpful is getting a wichard quick release for your tack. It might help ease your comfort level at having it hoisted as the true wind picks up so you're not constantly trying to work that narrow 8 knot range of "do I bother putting it up & i better take it down".
If all goes to hell and you're struggling with your sock - just blow the tack line., and it might be counterintuitive, but if you're concerned about bringing it down - head deeper downwind & blanket it with your main.
I actually have a quick release on the tack Shinybaldy, but I have a bowsprit and can not reach it when the sail is deployed. I usually release the sheet and tie a big granny knot in the end and toss it out in the water. It provides enough drag to keep a bit of tension in the sail and then with a bit of playing with the heading (as you suggest), I can pull down the sock. I think I would enjoy using this sail more if I used it in higher winds…...but can't bring myself to do that (yet). Maybe with a furling system……
Oh I see! I promise I'm not a hardware salesman - take a look at Tylaska T shackles (T12 would be about right for your boat). They can be easily fitted with a plug fid that you can fit into the trigger hole - you keep the fid tied off to a lanyard from where you can access it - and when you want to, pull on the lanyard and the shackle releases! Also lets you keep your head nice and low in case you're worried about getting smacked in the head while trying to get your spinnaker under control.
You were reading my mind Patrick on Safety Harness..Enjoy the sailing very much! Learn a lot from you.
Many thanks BirdDog. Much appreciated.
Another great video, Patrick. I agree with you, spinakers may be difficult to tame when solo.
As someone else suggested Kleman, the only way to get comfortable, is to use it often. I really should throw it out much more often. Thanks for commenting.
I'm grateful to have discovered your channel. Best of fortune Mr Laine.
Much appreciated Penta Comstat. Fair winds to you.
Thank you for sharing Mr. Lane.
As a deriveur and cat sailor I look forward to owning a keel boat someday soon, but I must say these videos are fantastik. Comme toujour merci mr. Laine
Love the channel, from your calm demeanor, I never would’ve guessed you were a Navy fighter pilot. You guys are the real deal, real life “The Right Stuff”. Kind of like Mr. Rogers meets Topgun :-)
Thank you Patrick. These videos are a goldmine of knowledge. Safe travels out there👍🍻
Thanks for thekind feedback griffedbat.
Great to see you back skipper. Solo asymmetrical spinnaker flying - brave. In lighter winds we use the pole to pole-out the tack just off the forestry but I can’t imagine wanting to do that solo - we have a similar boat/rig to Isabelle. Fair winds and, as ever, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Andy. I have seen several videos of people using the pole on a spinnaker. I have never been tempted. It seems to make an already complex maneuver even more so with extra guys to keep track of, and even more time on the foredeck for a solo sailor. It looks like a younger man's game. :-)
So glad that you made another video, I have a place in Royan and hope to see you sailing. Good luck
Hello jr. Almost every season I head down your way, but I find Port Medoc a bit easier for a solo sailor, as the docking situation at Royan can be a bit of circus at times. I'm sure I'll make a port call in the region sometime soon.
You are the privat dancer 👍😂💕
Welcome back, lovely passage. Hope all the celebrations went to plan.
You can count on that Chris. I don't film my shore activities, because I apply the rule 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas' everywhere I go. :-)
Great video, loved the dancing. Appreciate your explanation about what you do.
Very kind of you Mary. Two dance schools have contacted me because it appears I am in serious need of lessons. :-)
I always appreciate your videos. Have seen them all! Man, where I would like to sail with you for a few days and soak up the many experiences to myself! But the videos are still giving a lot. I HAD my concerns about the "missing" lifelines, but I get your point! And, however, I hope and wish to have the same mobility and health as you, when I’m done on the job one day and can spend some time on long distance crusing. Tell your daughter that we understand the meaning of the long sails 😉 - and thanks for the dance! 😆
Yeah --- I'm not comfortable with the lifeline thing. It really is only when I work the spinnaker. I wish I had filmed my removal of the broken sail slider. I strapped myself to the mast! As others have suggested, they now make variations of spinnakers that can furl, and you can do almost everything from the cockpit. That is the safest solution. Thanks again Kenneth.
Your Videos are great, eventhough your sailing is much better then your dancing ;-) Thank you for the lovely coolness in which you perform your actions on board. Safe Sailings!
Great to see you again Patrick. Thanks for the video
Thanks for coming back Tomas. Cheers.
Greetings from 🇨🇦.Nice to hear from you again.
Regarding your dancing , well I consider you a talented sailor ⚓️.
:-) I only do it to entertain the dolphins.
Awesome to see you 'back' Patrick - was way too long between videos!
Very kind of you RoadGoose. Thanks for the encouragement.
I have a spot between the bow and the mast where I can cleat off the control lines for the sock. This provides an additional safety of preventing the spinnaker from wrapping around the head stay as it functions as a barrier of sorts. I also put a mark on the control line of the sock, white tape on the blue line, to indicate which of the two lines to pull to bring the sock down. This is quite helpful at night when the deck lights don't allow you to see the top of the mast or in a crisis when you need to bring the sock down immediately and don't have time to think..just to act. Love your videos!
Great comment Ron. I too secure my sock on a hard point at the foot of the mast to keep it well away from that forestay. I am immediately going to follow your advice on putting tape on the haul-down/up. I always find myself trying to figure out which one to pull on. Simple solution to a common problem. Many thanks.
Thanks for the instruction, Capt. Laine . Looking forward to your next ‘in the slow Laine’ episode. 👍
Welcome back Nixon. Much appreciated.
good to be back on board again. Another interesting passage.
Thanks for the feedback Tom. Much appreciated.
Glad your back, enjoyed the episode and explanations as you go
Very kind of you Dave. Many thanks.
Moves like Jagger :) great video as always sir! atb
My daughter still is not speaking to me. :-) Thanks for watching.
Good to see you back and more good advice, as usual. Thanks.
Much appreciated Rex. Thanks for the feedback.
Great video, I have never single handle sailed with a spinnaker and after watching I can see why it would be very limited use for me except as you mention, long down wind passages and a constant vigilance on the changing conditions. I think you did a great job!
Many thanks David. I think if most single-handed sailors were polled, the answer would be that the spinnaker isn't used much. The only people I know who are truly comfortable with it (solo) are those who have done a lot of regatta racing. They build up their confidence and process while multi-crewed, and then transition to solo. I don't think this sail will ever become a 'daily' sail for me, but I am determined to get better at it.
Great to watch you sailing as ever Patrick. We enjoy flying spinnakers but there biggest drawback is that they demand constant attention. A long sail for us is one that lasts 7-8 hrs and so we can cope with that but if, like you, we were spending days or weeks at see then I think we would just pole out the genoa instead :-) as you rightly say when things go wrong with a spinnaker things can quickly escalate so they do demand some respect. Have fun
On the off chance it helps this is a film we made last year on flying a spinnaker single handed.
ua-cam.com/video/Row2sQXDI-Q/v-deo.html
Someone else also suggested your video --- which I am sure I have already watched, but can't watch it here due to terrible wifi reception in the marina. You regatta guys are masters at this kind of thing. You make it seem so simple --- a symphony in motion. I always breathe a big sigh of relief when it's back in the turtle. ;-) I'll keep working at it though.
Hi again, I do have a gennaker sock but I think I'll go back to basics and I won't use it anymore (unless you have to change course often, such in a regatta) and I'll just hoist it from its sack, ready and tied to the deck, with the lines attached. Just hoist the halyard from the cockpit and then sheet in the lines.very simple. When it's time to drop it , I have a thin line from the cockpit to the shackle on the tack, pull that to open the quick relase shackle , sheet in the line and lower the halyard in the cockpit. NO NEED TO GO MANEUVERING ON DECK if the weather has got worse. 5 minutes to put it back in the sack, leaving the corners out ready for a new deployment. Fair winds!
Great comment Luca. I agree with much of what you have said. As you suggest, the value of the sock is not in putting the sail up. It's value is in lowering the sail very simply. I hear what you say about your technique for lowering. I have tried that method on another boat (as well as the 'letterbox method' under the mainsail) but didn't find those methods quite as simple as they sound…….. For the future, I think I will eventually invest in one of the furling systems that now exist for these kinds of sails. Going to the foredeck is both dangerous and difficult for an old guy like me. :-)
uhn.. did it yesterday.. the problem to solve when solo is lowering the halyard and retrieving simultaneously the line.
Great to see you out again Patrick and nice to see you made it past the Guardia with no mishaps ! Enjoy Galicia !
Hello Mac. Went MUCH smoother this time. BTW, all of the guide books say 3 meters in the channel and marina….. but I looked on my Navionics (deep dive) and it shows 1.5 m. There you go. I arrived and left this time on half tide. I'm in Sada today --- having done La Coruna a half dozen times already. Best to you my friend.
Hi Patrick ,ok found you on Marine Traffic also saw there is a regatta au large de Corme y Laxe . I don't know if you are heading that way but if so beware . I have not been to Sada yet , maybe with the new boat ! Have fun !
@@frasermclean2123 when there is a regatta, i just pass them all to stay out of their way. 😊
I loved this episode! Very inspiring.
Thank you Elizabeth. Very kind of you.
I'm just catching up on your videos. Great stuff and enjoyable. On the spinnaker instead of bringing a line from the tack back to a winch, put a short strop from the tack to an eye at the bow. Just attach the strop with a quick release snatch shackle, which keeps the tack of the sail in place (you never need to adjust the tack as you're not using a pole). On Gybing , run the lazy sheet around the outside of the forestay. To gybe let the clew go forward of the forestay, then pull in the lazy sheet on the new tack ( ie the sail passes ahead of the boat)
Thanks. Yes, I've tried both methods of gybing (inside and outside). My concern is that the sock frame will somehow wind around the stay the wrong way, and then I'm in big trouble ----- even more so now that I have added an inner forestay. I need to be VERY conservative as a solo sailor ---- so think I'll keep dropping the sock before each gybe.... Thanks for the good suggestion anyway.
@@patricklaine6958 ah ok. On racing boats the spinnaker is outside and above the forestay so no fear of wrapping. Ever think of a code 0 instead. Great cruising sail and stick on a furler free flying (no forestay) is easy to manage single handed.
Welcome back! I learn so much from your videos. Thank you
Very kind of you Terribly British. Many thanks.
Masterful, as always. Le dans a la luz du jour joyuese c'est tres bon!
I admire you, mon capitain!
Hello my friend Will. Let me remind you that the star of 'O Captain, My Captain' died just as his 'ship' arrived to safeharbor. ;-) I hope to avoid that fate. :-)
My dear chap you did it all beautifully. And interesting as ever. However, you had your (very sensible) life line around your neck and not clipped on.
I haven't figured out how to use the lifeline and launch/retrieve the spinnaker at the same time James. The spinnaker requires a LOT of mobility, and split second responses or things can go terribly wrong. The alternative is to buy a furling spinnaker that can be launched from the safety of the cockpit. That may be coming soon. Thanks for commenting.
Hey Patrick another great video and I have to say good job on hoisting spinnaker solo my spinnaker has been used twice this yr and only with crew like yourself I sail solo most of the time and I won’t even attemp to fly it by myself so great on you for showing that it can be done cheers and stay safe
Many thanks for the kind comment. I wish I had the confidence of those regatta guys who fly these things without even thinking about it. I suppose confidence will come with practice, but I find every possible excuse for not flying it. :-)
A for effort, C for dancing. Love your videos and wish we could have a cerveza together.
Geez Rory. You've hurt my feelings. I was about to start making UA-cam dance videos. ;-)
Great job Patrick with the spinnaker, great to see you sailing. Hope you make it to A Coruña this time. Lovely video!!!
Thanks Jorge. I just moored in Sada, but will jump across the bay to La Coruna on Monday. Best regards.
Best video of the year! Plenty sailing. Feel freeto add more. My advice on the Spinnaker....use the Genoa. Thanks for taking us along.
Hello again Silky Yes this was a fun passage, but my personal favorite episode of this year is number 31. I really enjoyed that one, though nothing particularly dramatic happened. Just having a good time on my boat. Fair winds to you.
Loving your videos! Just had a good binge on your tour of Britain... Spinnaker: Personally I'd hoist the sock, THEN the tack in, THEN raise the sock. It should fly immediately, possibly also raising the sock automatically. Grinding the tack in when flying is very hard in a blow...
Good suggestion. I'll give some thought to that. My bow sprit sticks out about 1.5 meters off the bow. To bring the tack in before launch would cause a fairly large 'banana' in the sock (and risk bunching inside the sock as I try to hoist it), and also bring the sock closer to the forestay (where it could wind around it during those few extra seconds of delay before hoisting). Nonetheless, I do find the idea appealing -- so may try it, or at least partially pulling in the tack a bit more before pulling the sock off. Thanks for suggesting this for consideration.
If you have the tack in, so the luff is tight, no way is it going to wrap. Also the sock will be continually blown away from the forestay. All you've got to do then is trim the sheet!
Richard.
Good to see more of your adventures. I don’t blame you for heading south, should allow you to extend the season.
Looking forward to more of your boat handling demonstrations and tips.
Many thanks Div3r. I can't go too far south as there is a major boat show in my home port of La Rochelle at the end of the month, and I want to attend it to pick up a thing or two for my boat….. Fair winds and clear water to you.
Just found you
Great little films
Thanks for sharing with us all, despite our best efforts not ever operation is perfect
Kids eh.....!
These sails work great to keep the boat moving when you have little wind. It's more fun than motoring... You may want something like the ATN Spinnaker Tacker that will increase performance. Tack can move higher with little movement aft. This can open the luff to more air and fun. Check out the video linked on the atninc.com website. Roller balls also work and it maybe something you could make. Quick release is something you will want. You can blow the tack and the sail goes behind the main. Then it is easy to pull down the sock. It's easy to leave it up too long. We take ours down when the wind approaches 15 knots apparent. That could be 25+ true on our boat.
I watched a couple of videos on the ATN Tacker Douglas. Interesting ---- but I have a bow sprit that keeps the tack pretty far out in front of the genny --- I don't really see an advantage to the Tacker over my current set-up. That said, they did seem to be able to gybe very easily with little fuss (much more so than on my boat). I'll give it some more thought and review. Thanks for the suggestion.
Hi Patrick, Thanks again for turning a boring sundaymorning in a nice one! I sincerally hope this is the first one in a new series (?) Your video’s helped me a lot to find the courage to go solo!
Far too kind Alex. May thanks.
Hey Mr Laine, loving the videos, great stuff you are sharing
I had a smile when I saw your video pop up again!
Much appreciated Bob.
All this ego stroking is not good to most men but you are a humble chap. I admire your skill and level headedness. Would love to jump on a boat with you for a couple of weeks to learn the ropes (pun intended). Keep up the good work.
You would learn far, far more from a professional instructor , but thanks all the same.
Great job!
Thanks for the visit Mr SB. That passage was good fun.
Enjoyed the episode! Thanks!
Welcome back Szymon. Thanks.
Enjoyed the video, as always very informative. Thank you
Very kind of you Reload. Thanks
Excellent. And it looked like you were getting a lovely shove up the backside from the swell on the run in too. Cheers
Hello my friend. Looking forward to your next sail down-under.
Great seeing another vid from you Patrick.
Thanks for the feedback Vince. Much appreciated.