i550class.org

I've started looking for a used spinnaker, but I need to know what the tack measurement is. Anyone out there have their measurements handy?

....not sure what a 'tack measurement' is,,,but I'll say 49er and melges 20 chutes are a pretty direct fit,,

,,,as-is gives a fine deep angle chute,,,or ~2' out of the midsection gives a high-angle cut

Rocky,

Here are the dimensions of my spinnaker: luff = 29.75, foot = 22.22, leech = 24.91

It works well downwind, but at almost 500 square ft., I think that it's too big for general purpose use. I'm thinking about either getting it re-cut or looking for a smaller reaching chute (used).

Phil

Has anyone raced their boat enough, to have came up with an optimized sail plan for a variety of conditions (I know what a generalized question this is) but you would think that with the number of boats we have, we would have a good starting point, and could get that info on here.

First, sorry, I meant the luff, not the tack. 550 sailor, to answer your question as best I can, the aussies tended to use a high roach main, 100% jib, and 2 spinnakers, one for running, one for reaching. Here in the states you see a lot more variety in the shape of the main, to suit the local conditions. I guess a lot of it is personal preference.
Phil, thanks for the numbers, that's what I needed!

I think the 30 foot luff number is about right and right in line with Phil's numbers. I'd love a smaller kite for goofing around, so maybe a 49er would work for that. But I'd have to dig up some numbers on that.

A m20 kite has a 33 foot luff so it needs a trim if you buy a used one as Micheal mentioned.

A viper kite should fit well and has a class max of 425 sqft. But I've not seen those being sold used as much as the m20 guys who seem to have "campaign money".

.


....you'd be surprised about 49er kites....they go on a 30' mast,,,full size gives you a deep angle kite,,,chop a ~3' section out of the middle for a high angle kite