Tapered Spinnaker Sheets

Submitted by johncallis on Sat, 02/09/2008 - 11:06
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Racer's Rap

I'm interested in purchasing new spinnaker sheets, and am under the impression that if I'm willing to spend the money on 1/4 inch tapered sheets with a spectra core, they will offer the best of both worlds. They will be light enough for light wind, and strong, and grippy enough for heavy wind. I've been out on days where the wind is strong but later dies down which left me wishing I had my light air sheets.
In addition I am considering New England - Flight Line which has a Polypropylene Cover and a Dyneema SK-75 Core which I think is similar to spectra. It has a tensile strength of 2500 lbs. Another line I’m considering is Yalelight Competition with a Polypropylene Cover and a Polypropylene/Spectra Core. It also has a tensile strength of 2500 lbs. but I’m not sure if it is strippable.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts, and recommendations

John.

Dave812

Thu, 02/21/2008 - 11:35

One of the first things I did on my Scot was change to tapered sheets. I used 1/8" Amsteel and covered it with 1/4" for the cockpit end. It works great and eliminates the light air / heavy air sheet decision.

One thing to consider is the 1/8" portion reportedly does not hold well in the cam cleat mounted near the shrouds. I don't have those cleats so have not experienced that personally but if you do you might consider that issue. The next set I make will be made from 1/4"Flightline.

karafiath

Wed, 02/27/2008 - 12:29

Gents I made my own tapered sheets, starting with 3/8 line but had the opposite approach to that presented by Gallus. I modified about the same 9 ft length that he did. However I just pulled most of the core out of the braided cover, keeping the braided cover intact. After working the first one or two strands of the core out of the cover the rest went really quickly. My sheet is truly tapered in that not all of the core is pulled out and toward the thicker end I left more of the core in. All that is needed is some patience.good luck. Gabor FS 3512