by GreenLake » Thu Feb 16, 2012 6:50 pm
I don't race, except when I do. But it's not an event under class rules. My secret weapon there is a hand-me-down spinnaker from another class, which may well be a few inches oversize. Most liberating about the whole thing was knowing that I wasn't about to risk the destruction of a valuable sail while learning the ropes, so to speak.
My tentative impression would be that differences in design of a spinnaker would pale in comparison to not having one. And even if they existed, it would seem to require a certain expertise by the user before they would make a difference. If money is to be conserved, I'd suggest training for a season or two with an inexpensive used one.
Racing, as I do, in an event that cares nothing about class rules and measurements, and is frequently beset by lighter winds, I was tempted to spend money on a Doyle UPS (see threads about that sail). Instead, it seems I'll be switching to a faster hull in that venue (and back to using the DS strictly for daysailing).
~ green ~ lake ~ ~