Spinnaker Flying in a Nutshell
Spinnaker flying is one of the most lifting flights I’ve ever taken.
All you need is some decent air (wind), one medium to large sailboat, preferably a “masthead rig”, a boson’s chair, and (preferably) a tri-radial spinnaker.
1. Anchor off the stern.
2. Attach boson’s chair to the clews of the sail. No guy, no pole for this.
3. Enter the water off the bow, sit in the boson’s chair (with the sail collapsed), and release the sheets.
You will be launched from water level, to the height of the mast…in about 1 second…
Then, you can control horizontal and vertical movement by manipulating the sheets.
What’s funny is this: the force of the launch usually leaves whatever you’re wearing around your ankles, so boys, and girls (if you’re wearing a bikini); you just might be flying naked.
The only way to pull ‘em up is to bail, and most of the time, when you bail – you’re bottoms are lost forever.
We’ve thrown many a towel overboard.
Anyway, it just takes a couple of times before you get the feel of it.
It’s too much fun and too many laughs. Everyone always has a good time.
Sam, I think I can relate to your post, my friend.
Lost shorts are only one of the hazards of watersports. The worst enema I've ever experienced was from falling off a slalom ski.
I didn't need a towel, but I sure needed ten minutes before I could board the Ski Natique with any dignity at all.
And precious little of that, as I recall from the laughter coming from said boat.
Jim
Sloop New Dawn
Galveston, TX