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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Great time on the water today and after at the CYC awards party. Third place finish in a class with 11 boats.
These pictures taken by Block Island Steve after the start of the Ida Lewis Distance Race.
Henry & Matt Trimming
Henry Trimming
Elena Trimming
The 2025 ILDR was a light air challenge for the Vento Solare crew. Pia, Elena & Henry made up 50% of the crew to qualify as a youth entry. They were joined by Peter, Matt & Bill. The crew was recognized at the awards ceremony with the 1st place Youth trophy and 3rd of 8 in the Coronet class.
Youth Trophy 1st place presented to Vento Solare crew
3rd of 8 boats in Coronet class
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.