Waterway Guide | How to execute the perfect spinnaker drop when sailing short-handed

How to execute the perfect spinnaker drop when sailing short-handed

Date Posted: October 3, 2016

Source: Yachting World

Dropping the kite double-handed may seem a daunting challenge, but provided you take adequate steps to ensure the spinnaker is deflated, a drop can be successfully achieved by any size of crew.

In most situations a conventional leeward drop down the main companionway will offer security and shelter to get the spinnaker safely away...

Quick preparation tips

Be prepared for a drop from the minute the spinnaker hoist has finished.
Throwing halyards and tacklines over the back of the boat before a drop will ensure they are not tangled and may provide enough drag through the water to control the speed of the drop.
Allow enough length in your halyards for your sail to lie flat on top of the water and still be gathered in.
Forgotten lazy sheets on symmetric kites are often the cause of troublesome drops, so don’t forget they need to run free as well as the guy.

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