Spinnaker sock reduces the chaos

 Running a symmetrical spinnaker on the Wilderness 21 is a challenge.  It is a challenge on any boat I suppose.  Usually we are double handed (two person crew) and that works well on this smaller boat.  This summer I bought a North Sails spinnaker sock and made a basket to hang in the companionway to launch/retrieve it.   I also store the spin pole on the boom on a trolley line.

All of these things have made our spinnaker life much less dramatic and more enjoyable.  The spinnaker sock though is the key.

Instead of hoisting the sail and having chaos ensue, with the sock we hoist and then no chaos.  When we are ready we raise the sock and fly the spinnaker.  When taking down the spinnaker it is the same benefit.  Lower the sock and then deal with the rest without trouble.

For solo or double handed spinnaker we definitely also require an autopilot to hold heading during setup, gybe or takedown.  The one thing you don’t want to happen is to get distracted dealing with things and have the boat heading wander off.   I will do solo spinnaker on the ocean because there is room to run, less to hit or dodge.  Not in the bay though.