fusioneng wrote:
More of a performance equalizer or neccessity for downwind. The TI really sucks the big one on downwind performance, adding the spinnaker kit brings the boat up to normal or similar performance to what it should be compared to similar type boats. Definately doesn't turn the boat into an H16, just rounds out an extreme weakness. Call it what you will.
FE
Edit: sucks the big one might be a little harsh, lets just say the boomless sail turns into a taco shell on downwind, the spinnaker equals out the performance envelope. My measure is to have a boat that has all around performance, upwind and downwind performance need to match, otherwise you can scream out offshore downwind and not be able to get back to shore, (been there done that many times), just stating,,,know your boats real capabilities,(not imagined).
Has any tried to modify the main sail with a "Sninnaker like Pole" to hold it out for JUST down wind? Probably could be a fairly lightweight flexible fiberglass rod that could "give".
Just curious. Just a thought.
I get my TI next weekend and debating how many accessories I really need to start.
It's almost always a downwind trip home.