Date: 12/29/2006
Name: Jay
email: nesailor@charter.net

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subject: spinnaker from forward hatch

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I've always felt that launching the spinnaker from the companionway is the best way but also the most difficult way, requiring experienced crew. The simplest system is to launch out of the bow pulpit but some boats do not have a pulpit.

We have been launching out of the forward hatch for years and initially found that it was too large an opening for the crew and water to fall into. So, in what ever hatch you have, add the larger rectangular inspection hatch which can be purchased from the marine dealers. I think mine is 8" X 14". Take off the hinge of the port and modify it to attach manually on the days you want to fly the spinnaker. You could also make your own much more cheaply---cut an opening in the hatch and make a plexiglass cover.

Also you have to tape over any sharp points inside the cabin that might catch the spinnaker.

I have placed a detailed spinnaker technique paper I wrote on the SJ National site - members only section. Some of it describes launching from the forward hatch and windward techniques.

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