Racing folks also created something


of a problem. They use sails designed and built for very specific conditions. We, of humble budget and limited space, tend toward general-purpose use, but there is another asymmetric option to consider. The alternative could be described as an upwind asymmetric. They’ve been around for awhile, commonly known as code zero or screecher. This smaller and much flatter


asymmetric can resemble a reaching genoa and asymmetric hybrid; and is intended for a similar range from 60° to 120° AWA. There is no doubt it is an asymmetric, with a free flying luff (not attached to a stay), lightweight cloth, and positive roach. Due to the forward- of-the-beam sailing the free flying luff comes under higher loads. To handle this, sailmakers use a high modulus line from head to tack. What may make this the simplest asymmetric of all is that it can be setup on the removable furling unit. The sail simply furls around its own luff and then is lowered to the deck and put in the bag and stowed. So far the specific nature of this mutt doesn’t offer any new tricks.


Consider that this sail can come within about 20° from being close hauled; and that most non-racing sailors don’t spend much time beating to windward. Now consider that with a greater sail area than a genoa, light air sailing performance is much better, with exception of close hauled. Going further downwind this sail will reach an angle, say 120° AWA when the flatness will cause it to collapse like a genoa. Above 120° AWA the sail can be poled out (a good whisker pole will do) again giving better performance than a genoa/jib; while being somewhat conservative handling due to less sail area compared with a general purpose asymmetric. It may be helpful to know, or


not, that racing sailors use the code designation (simplified below) for asymmetric sail types. Odd numbers are reaching oriented and even for running:


Code 0: Very tight reaching (wind is forward of the beam) Code 1: Light air reaching Code 2: Medium wind running Code 3: Medium wind reaching


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Code 4: Heavy air running Code 5: Heavy air reaching Code 6: Running in 30 plus knots


Call it what you will, but it’s really


a lot less confusing than trying to learn to speak Australian. Fortunately, my children are great teachers. Who knew that raisons are called sultanas? Now, it’s time for another barbie, saveloy anyone?


A note from the crew of Totem: We met Bob Riggle, briefly, in La Cruz, Mexico last year. We send our condolences to the family and friends of the “Quest” sailors; and the many other people affected by terrible piracy problems. As the overwhelming situation in Japan continues to unfold our thoughts are with them. Terrible world events can lead would-be cruisers to rethink living the dream is too dangerous. Please don’t. There is so much wonder to experience, even better than the dream. To follow the Giffords and other Northwest sailors around the world, visit www.48° North and click Cruising Blogs.


48° NORTH, APRIL 2011 PAGE 39 3/9/11 9:37 AM


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