Vento Solare has a new North Sails 2022 Class A2 spinnaker that we used the first day at the Cedar Point OD regatta where we were not happy with how it projected. It was a light air day (winds less than 8 kts). The 2nd day we used the North Sails 2016 Class A2 spinnaker and liked how it projected better but winds were 10 to 12 kts. I asked Will Welles to sail with us after the regatta to check the cut. On 7 July we went out in 10-12 kts wind and flew both spinnakers. The results show the 2022 spinnaker performs better than the 2016 spinnaker. Will indicated that in light air, the new spinnaker with AirX 650 material may seem "stiff" in light air until broken in.
 2016 Spinnaker |
 2022 Spinnaker |
 2016 Spinnaker Performance |
 2022 Spinnaker Performance |
Draft stripe pictures were taken for the main and jib going upwind.
 2016 Jib |
 2020 Main |
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Tristan Mouligne captured this picture from the Class 40 Res Potentia on Saturday morning. Vento Solare is limping into Newport with the spinnaker wrapped around the headstay. This occurred when a letterbox douse was attempted the evening before while trying to round R32 off Gay Head, Marthas Vineyard. The spinnaker became badly wrapped around the headstay and jib while unfurling the jib for a letterbox douse. Sarah was hoisted up the mast 1/3 of the way in the dark to try and unwrap the spinnaker but was unsuccessful. Thus the decision was made to retire and motor back to Newport. We tied up to a mooring at Coasters Harbor and hoisted Sarah to the top. The spinnaker head was fouled under the headstay and caught on the upper swivel, preventing the furler from moving in either direction. Sarah disconnected the spinnaker halyard and was able to unwrap the spinnaker. Once that was done we were able to unwind the rest of the spinnaker without damage, and completely unfurl, then refurl the jib.
Lisa flying the spinnaker on delivery to Tiverton
Fantastic weather for a spin run up the bay, followed by dinner at the Boathouse with Lisa, Francis, Pat, Cindy & Bill. The boat is all set for the race Saturday.
A great time and memories on Block Island with everyone this weekend. Here is a link to my photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/mByUFS7qtx2Vdz2d8
The drone we saw tonight was Stephen Cloutier's (Block Island Steve). Here is a link to some great video under spinnaker.
Vento Solare Spinnaker Video
Thanks to Lisa, Kathy, Sue & Gerry Vento Solare was wet sanded in no time at all with perfect wet weather to help. Here are a few pictures from Sue's phone. Thanks for your help!