mhopper

no need to worry about he unsupported part of the mast with masthead kites, as I can verify numerous roundups and round downs in excess of 10 kts. with no problems. In one putting the mast in the water and having one of the crew stand on the keel to bring the boat up. The lesson here is don't steer to deep in giant waves.

Against advice, I had an triradial asymmetric made last year. No sprit, and it uses the standard spinnaker halyard. The masthead halyard never occurred to me.

 

We've used it a few times, so far in one race that had a long downwind leg. It was dyn-o-mite.

 

For a crew of two old farts in PHRF, one with a little spinnaker experience and one with none, it's good. Gibing can be tricky with the small separation between tack and forestay, and you sometimes need a whisker pole.

 

I agree that the class jib is best unless the wind gets really light; then I use a drifter.

 

I also find that I can carry the a-sail well above a beam reach. Maybe I won't need the drifter?

Hey Robert, It's a great idea. I have already converted my j22 masthead kites,

I have a 3a asymetric a code 0, and a symetrical runner. All were designed for the boat. Half the races here in ventura county involve long reaches, and last year we tied for top spinnaker boat. the boat is dominant in under 5kts. of wind or over 15kts. Still competitive in between but sometimes we get waterlined. The boat is an absolute blast to sail, and we have spent a considerable amount of time in the 13 to 17 kts. boatspeed range. If you want some pics. Email me at phrfdragon@hotmail.com