Self-Tacking Jib, Anyone?

So, I've been watching the Olympics (online, of course)...

http://stream.nbcolympics.com/sailing-day-5

... and I'm noticing that the Nacra 17s have self-tacking jibs.

Has anyone attempted this on Hobie Getaways? It could be a mod that would make the Getaway even more chill and laid-back (and single-handed-friendly).

Thanks, friends. Sail on...

Have fun tacking!!! I back wind the jib for successful tacks.

Not sure I'd want one. I use the backwinded jib to bring the bow around on tacks. That wouldn't work with a self tacker. The Getaway is a beast to tack, not exactly "lively" helm.

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

Do you think, maybe, that the massive underwater foils might have something to do with how the boats are pointing in this graph? It ain't the jib alone. When the sailmaker designs the entry of a jib, he has to know the sheeting angle and ave windspeed (luff sag) among other things. You can't really look at one thing (like a jib) and determine why one boat points better than another.

_________________
R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

Note that while the nacra with jib "can" point 24 degrees, most wouldn't do it because in that 15 kt breeze they are only going 6 kts...useful to pinch around the mark to avoid a set of tacks, but slow for any length of time. If you really want to make the boat simpler with a crowd aboard, leave the jib furled, fall off and do 270s instead of tacking. Do you know how they mount the track? Might be fun to see one. Let us know if you do it, I'd like to see it in action.

_________________
R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II