Sailing Zataravideo
Downwind Sailing for Dummies [Sailing Zatara Ep 35]
23 August 2017 · 16 min · 152K views · Tahiti
What this video covers
Sailing downwind across the Pacific in winds below 13 knots requires a dedicated asymmetrical spinnaker or cruising chute to prevent the flogging and rolling associated with goose-winging a main and jib.9:39 The crew of Zatara, a monohull, reports that goose-winging becomes inefficient and noisy in light air, making a light-wind downwind sail essential for long-distance passages.9:47 When deploying an asymmetrical spinnaker, the crew uses a sock or snuffer system to manage the sail, tying off the snuffer lines to a cleat to prevent accidental deployment.2:22 Using a powered winch to raise the halyard ensures a faster, more controlled hoist.2:38 In Tahiti, the crew encountered an industrialized marina environment at Marina de Papeete, where limited infrastructure and generator failures hindered provisioning and laundry tasks.7:51 The crew also notes that for a family of six, the compact systems on a monohull face high wear, prompting consideration of a catamaran with more robust, heavy-duty systems and increased solar capacity.15:30
More from Sailing Zatara
From Sailing Zatara — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.