Way to go @Eric Martinen! From what I've seen in the clubs where I sail, kids raised with the teamwork, support and challenge of sailing and especially sailboat racing learn a lot about life, business, everything through sailing, and you guys made a great go to video, which I'm using to train up new crew, so bravo, thanks, and it looks like you did well to invest in a few days of off-site learning back then! ⛵😂
The fellow who babysat Dennis Conner's children during his win of the America's Cup, gave me a ride from Southampton to Connecticut that summer in the 60s.
03:09 "Some sailors shy away from using the spinnaker or gennaker, thinking that the're difficult to manage." Yup! and this video proves that. There is NO WAY that I'd fly one with just me and my wife as crew. I have a S-pole, and an adjustable ring on my mast, and never use them. In fact, I'm ready to remove the ring and all that hardware because it is in the way. I only wish that I had a whisker pole.
Well perhaps a symmetrical spinnaker would prove a challenge with just two people. You really need three minimum. However look into an asymmetrical spinnaker for your boat. I'd keep the ring on the mast, as it will benefit any potential re-sale of the boat if you ever do sell.
O'day 35 I frequently use mine with just two people and have been known to fly it single handed. I won't lie I was intimidated at first and wouldn't do it alone in more than 15 knots wind, or with two of us above 20knots, but I gained confidence through problems. Have a plan for dropping the kite in a hurry. In most cases this is as simple as letting the halyard go, and pulling the kite in under the boom. It might get wet but it takes seconds. Like the film says, practice in light winds and open seas. Happy sailing, :-)
