Bowsprits: Even a modest sprit can make using the cruising chute easier.
A bowsprit need not be too long, too complicated or too super-duper expensive. Utilizing one will however almost certainly make using the cruising 'chute easier. This first part will discuss the problem in general show and some solutions at the top end of the price range. Following parts will discuss more economical solutions.
Cruising Spinnakers, Asymmetrical and otherwise: More background information
In "Cruising Spinnakers: What the names mean and what sail goes with what name" I defined the two options in the universe of spinnakers: Those to be used for racing and everything else. This part will address all spinnakers in more detail.
Cruising Spinnakers: What the names mean and what sail goes with what name.
I am often asked what is the difference between a Genniker, a Cruising spinnaker and an Asymmetrical spinnaker? The short answer is that they are spelt differently, the long answer is frequently, "not much" other than the name. But the type of sail you get does depend on the use you plan to put it to.
Bowsprits sprouting at Annapolis Boat Show
I'd like to think it was my story in the May edition of Cruising World that started it but, more realistically, builders of conventional, that is non sprit, (I.E. not a sport boat) boats are probably just catching on to the advantages of having even a small bow sprit on which to set the cruising spinnaker.
Jeanneau 3200 at the Annapolis boat Show
Despite the relative chaos in the financial markets, sunny weather and warm temperatures were the order of the day at the Annapolis boat show, at least for the Friday and Saturday of my visit. I had borrowed a friend’s high test camera and wandered the show taking images of things of interest, in this case the Jeanneau 3200.