Life is Like Sailing - Single Handed Spinnaker Sailing

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Most popular comments
for Life is Like Sailing - Single Handed Spinnaker Sailing

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Wilfred Darr - 6 years ago

Thanks for taking the time to show this. When I get my next boat, I know my wife won't always be there, so this is a big boost to the dream of sailing a bigger boat by myself (last boat was an oversized, gaff rigged, dinghy really) Thanks again.

Ease the Sheets - 6 years ago

Great video again Alfie, might be the camera angle, does your inner shroud on the port side flex when close hauled as there looks to be some movement in it at 1:25-30. Simon

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thanks and glad you enjoyed it Simon. Yes the leeward stays are a bit lose when sailing.

Greg Currie - 6 years ago

Nice demo Alfie. You managed to capture it all from different camera angles. Well done.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and glad you enjoyed it!

W. Mozart - 6 years ago

Well done!! Good seamanship.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you!

BobbieGWhiz - 6 years ago

It’s so refreshing to have a sailing channel discussing sailing. As a novice, I find this very helpful and interesting. I wish there was more of this. Thanks much.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and so glad you enjoyed this episode! I agree that there are not a lot of videos out there that actually talk about sailing techniques. :)

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it! :)

MAL L - 6 years ago

hey do you bring the guy forward after a gybe? put it through a block? it looks like its tacked forward of the sheet but its hard to tell.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Always fun rigging up new set ups! Check out an older video I have about spinnaker sailing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZPWHWcCv_M

And here is one about the spinnaker pole set up. (Jaws are facing down, but should have been facing up on the set up video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpZS9urb7V4

MAL L - 6 years ago

Oh ok, im just sorting a future spinnaker for my yacht so interested at the moment how other boats are rigged, im used to my dingy racing days where both sheet and pole lines (guy) went aft to the same location, larger boats obviously different, there's also the twin line system with sheet and guy on each clew, i see it over in usa(or are u in canada?), i must say ive never seen that done here at home in Aus. but i think the snatch block idea will work for me thanks.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

I have a snatch block that the guy goes through and because it is a snatch block I can put the guy in on each side. I didn't get into that as I was thinking it was already pretty complicated. ha But good eye to catch that! :)

Nigel Donald - 6 years ago

Nice video

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thanks!

Robert Rutherford - 6 years ago

Hey Alfie, haven"t checked on you in a bit. Your videos have really gotten great!

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and welcome back and hope you enjoy some of the episodes you missed. :)

10. comment for Life is Like Sailing - Single Handed Spinnaker Sailing

Terrence Bradley - 6 years ago

The best video on flying a spinnaker that I have run across. Also the map at the end is a very nice and thoughtful touch. I have never flown a spinnaker and there are times when I wish I had the nerve to attempt it. But I single hand 95% of the time. Were I to try it I can see a really great Chinese fire drill happening on board! Only seven more weeks and I head back to Whidbey Island, wake up my boat and head North!

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it!! I'd say if you are going to give it a try just do it in light air, not much to worry about in those kind of conditions and if it doesn't work out so well at least it was in light air. ha I hope that the next 7 weeks go fast for you!! :)

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you!!! :)

Bill Bruce - 6 years ago

Thank you for the excellent spinnaker instructional guide. Hard to believe you were out there in March.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

You are welcome and so glad you enjoyed coming along for some March sailing!

Wake for Me - 6 years ago

Hi Alfy, nicely done as always.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you!

Anders Jakobsen - 6 years ago

I`m not a sailor. Just looking to buy a sailboat. And in almost all the adds it says: Spinnaker never used ;-) I hope to learn that one day!! Looks great.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

It is sad that so many people don't use their spinnakers much, but good news is that you may get a like-new spinnaker sail with your boat purchase! :)

J Chase - 6 years ago

Thanks for the step-by-step for single handers! Spinnaker sailing is the one area that I'm still pretty intimidated by. I have a symmetrical spinnaker that I sometimes use like an asymmetrical, with a connection that I made for the tack that goes around the furled headsail,... it works, but definitely not how a symmetrical was designed to fly!

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

You are welcome and glad you enjoyed it! I know that the spinnaker intimidates some people so I wanted to show everyone that it is not such a scary sail to use. ha

Mike Larson - 6 years ago

Supper

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thanks!

Graeme Henderson - 6 years ago

Alfie that's really impressive solo sail handling skills. Thanks for the video.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it!

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it!

dml505 - 6 years ago

I really admire your knowledge and the steps taken to ensure a safe sale. Refreshing to see on this media for sure!

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you! Safety means many more years of sailing ahead! :) Glad you enjoyed it!

20. comment for Life is Like Sailing - Single Handed Spinnaker Sailing

justcruisin109 - 6 years ago

Very well paced and thorough explanation so thanks - I learned a lot from your video.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it! :)

Eric Antrim - 6 years ago

Very nice. It’s snowing here in Juneau. :(

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thanks! I hope the snow melts soon for you!

Al W - 6 years ago

Really enjoyed your video. Thanks.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and glad you enjoyed it!

Colin Jagoe - 6 years ago

Great video, loved the instructional nature of it. I don’t have a spin on my boat, but was sailing with a friend and he says to keep the pole at 90 degrees to the wind. Is that how you fly it, or do you have another way of deciding the angle of the pole while sailing it?

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and I usually keep the pole 90 degrees to the wind. :)

John Johnson - 6 years ago

WOW I didn't even know you could single hand a spinnaker, well done!

John Johnson - 6 years ago

I wish I could give you two thumbs up :)

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Oh yes, not so difficult really! Some people are intimidated by the spinnaker so I hope this showed that it is not such a scary sail. ha

Harold Steed - 6 years ago

A great instructional video conducted with beautiful scenery as a backdrop.Thank you.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and it sure is great to be sailing in such a beautiful place!

Terry Williams - 6 years ago

Great video and very well explained. Always enjoy your videos.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and so glad you enjoy the videos!!

Jorge Concheyro - 6 years ago

Wow Alfy thanks, I really needed this... So wonderfull... Brave man!!!!

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

You are more than welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!!

Jack Schneiberg - 6 years ago

Great instructional video I really enjoy your step by step explanation.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it!

Peter Los Angelos - 6 years ago

Nice instruction all by your own from all angles.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and glad you enjoyed it!

30. comment for Life is Like Sailing - Single Handed Spinnaker Sailing

Peter Los Angelos - 6 years ago

Suggestion for an episode. What are your thoughts on using ais or sat plb? Wearing a lifejacket? When sailing alone or with company. The cold watertemp near you. And all variations of these combined.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

All good ideas and I'll try to fit them in on future episodes. :)

Scott Flick Sailing - 6 years ago

Great job Alfie. I really enjoyed the different camera angles. Great exclamation of Jibing your spinnaker.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it!!

Thom Stevens - 6 years ago

Excellent video Alfie. I haven't been on a sailboat in 45 years and it was great to hear some of the technicalities of making it work.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it! I hope you can get out on the water again! :)

Arctic SeaCamel - 6 years ago

Great video and explanation. I just wonder if gennaker would be easier single handed? Fixed spot at the bow and one sheet on either side. Gybe is just matter of releasing one and tightening the another.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and for sure a gennaker is easier to use. I may do a video about that sail in the future to show the difference. I just wanted to show people that a spinnaker can be sailed single handed as some are intimidated by it. :)

Craig Overend - 6 years ago

Really interesting seeing the process, and well filmed, I haven't found many sailing videos that show the actual sailing process as well as you did, thanks! However not being a sailer I'll have to watch it again to understand more of the lingo you used. :)

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

So glad you enjoyed this type of videos and I hope it wasn't too confusing with the wording used. :)

SkipperMurman - 6 years ago

That was an outstanding explanation and demonstration Alfie. Thank you for sharing it with us all. There is noting like spinnaker sailing. I have aways been just a bit afraid to fly it myself. Thank you for showing the way, and giving me the confidence perhaps to give it a try ,,,,,,, in LIGHT air of course.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it! Some are intimidated by the spinnaker and I hope I was able to show that it is not such a scary sail to use! Trying it in light air leaves lot so room for safety! :)

Tf9500 - 6 years ago

Thanks! Very educational. That looked like a perfect day to put up the spinnaker alone, how much wind speed can the spinnaker take before it’s unsafe?

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Glad you enjoyed it and it sure was a nice day! I usually look at boat speed and how it is handling to determine time to take it down. Once the boat is staying above 9knots I usually take it down.

S Stem - 6 years ago

You always make everything look so easy! Your videos are amazingly educational, easy to understand, and easy to watch. A great combination of information and entertainment. THANKS for doing what you do!!!

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you so much and so glad you enjoy these types of videos! Stay tuned for more!! :)

Dale Buckley - 6 years ago

Oh, to be young and fit again !!

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

I don't always feel that way! haha

Reg Pettinger - 6 years ago

Alfie, after watching this I'm leaning toward one of Steve Dashew's FPB 64's(;>) By the way, another great video.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and good luck with finding an FPB 64! :)

Mike Woodford - 6 years ago

"Only 16,000 subscribers" You deserve much, much more and I, for one, will do my best to encourage new people to discover your wonderful channel. Carry on.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thanks so much! I can use all the help I can get so much appreciated!! :)

Gary Haryett - 6 years ago

Great video Alfie. When are you taking us for halibut?

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thanks and glad you enjoyed it! I'd love to get out for some more halibut! ha

James C - 6 years ago

Great sail, you ever use a sail sock to make handling easier?

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

It sure was and I have sock for my gennaker sail and it sure make it easier. I like to keep my spinnaker clean without one. :)

Precision Sails - 6 years ago

Great Job Alfy! Have ever used a spinnaker sock? It would make dowsing solo much easier.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you! I have a sock for my gennaker sail and for sure it is so easy to take the sail down with it!

Don B. - 6 years ago

Excellent explanation, very well presented.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you!

thebatten house - 6 years ago

Greetings from Ottawa! Wish I could splash our boat watching you sail is the next best thing. Thank you!

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

So glad you enjoyed coming along and I hope you can get your boat back in the water soon!!

Kevin Fisher - 6 years ago

Great video .. tad boring but was worth exception seeing in real time and exactly how such difficult thing can be done. Also glad you did first gibe with camera aft, but better view second time with camera forward so could really see what all was involved. Nice touch.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and glad you enjoyed it. Yes, how to videos can sometimes be a bit boring. ha

jatodon - 6 years ago

Single handed spinnaker setting can be intimidating but your video makes so much sense and the technique is excellent. Great video Alfy. What a stellar North Coast winter day! Beautiful.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and yes it really isn't so hard to do with the right set up. :) I hope some people out there that have been intimidated by the spinnaker now see that it isn't really so bad. :) The amazing weather was the bonus for sure!

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and if you have light winds it might be worth a try! A lot of people are intimidated by the spinnaker, but it really isn't so bad. ha

Capt Chef Mark SV Alcina - 6 years ago

Hi Alfie,
I Did not think about moving the spinnaker pole down to make the sail like a head sail,what a great idea .
You can also use lazy lines on each side, so what you do is let go of the sheet move the pole to the other side and with the other lazy sheet hook it on ,now used that to bring the pole around. By using the lazy sheet you don't have to try and fight the guy .you just pick up the lazy one and of you go.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Yes, that was a tip I learned many years ago and it really increases the range of the spinnaker. :) Although I have never used double sheets and guys, I have heard they are great so I hope to try that set up one day! :)

50. comment for Life is Like Sailing - Single Handed Spinnaker Sailing

Sailing - SV BAKA - 6 years ago

Excellent how to video, Alfie. In setting up my Spinnaker how long of a pole is the one you are using? Or is it determined by the beam of each vessel. Also the main sail does it always remain up or are you putting a reef or two in it?

Sailing - SV BAKA - 6 years ago

Good to know thnx

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thanks and glad you enjoyed it! My pole goes just past the forestay so probably that is what most do. Main stays up.

Robert Praed - 6 years ago

A brilliant episode, I liked it a lot, super.Regards Robert

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thanks Robert! Glad you enjoyed it!!

GeorgeGraves - 6 years ago

I picked up some tricks! The worst is when the spinker gets in the water and you're pulling on a small swimming pool size of water to get it out....had that happen once on a racing boat off the coast of Santa Barbara during a round up/knock down. It wasn't pretty.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Glad you pick up a couple things! I agree that getting the spinnaker wet is no fun at all, but combined with a knock down is even worse!

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thanks! I try! ha

Rick Gleason - 6 years ago

Wow! Those are the kinda days you live for . . .

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

They sure are!!

allgaeumichel - 6 years ago

Well done, man! Next time I will try single handed, too.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and I hope you have fun giving it a try! :)

Rick Czainski - 6 years ago

You made it look easy Alfie. My goal i s to get my spinnaker flying this year! Thanks for the motivation.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you! I hope you get the spinnaker out of the bag for sure! :)

Arcturus Arcturus - 6 years ago

Well done Alfy , you have inspired me to set up and use the old triradial spinnaker that came with our boat, thanks !

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you! I hope you will give it a try and I hope it goes well for you! :)

Ted Ceelen - 6 years ago

Well done, I may have try flying my spinnaker by myself this coming summer

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and I hope you give it a try! :)

Dilithium Crystals - 6 years ago

Great Video. Do you leave the main up when not directly downwind?

Kevin Parker - 6 years ago

Dilithium Crytals
So now you're going to run and hide behind a thin layer of supposed intellect and pompasity and rely on Alfy to fight your battle for you? You're a sorrier specimen than I first thought. Thanks for bringing me up to speed. Face it D.C., you made a dumb comment. Live with it.
Alfy and I have traded comments since a couple years ago when I first subscribed. If he wants to blast me for calling a spade a spade, so be it. Unlike you, I can take the heat and unlike you, I sign my real name to my comments and opinions.
I piss on your standards. Fuck you D.C.

Kevin Parker - 6 years ago

And perhaps you, D.C., should refrain from using the keyboard until such time as you grow a brain. Sorry if the truth hurts your delicate ego.

Dilithium Crystals - 6 years ago

You sir are offensive and should refrain from using the internet for any reason. Maybe learn the English Language to better understand punctuation and syntax regarding a legitimate question. This, being my reply, is a lowering of standards and will be the last in that regard. I'm sure Alfy, finding a family audience and well mannered patrons the norm, will probably retort in his own fashion.

Kevin Parker - 6 years ago

Dilithium Crystals
Are you fucking stupid? The main was deployed on all points of sail throughout the entire video. Maybe watch the video again and rethink your question. Dumbass.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and glad you enjoyed it. :) Yes the main stays up.

S/V ICEBOUND - 6 years ago

Great demonstration thank you

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and you are welcome! :)

Chainanalyst - 6 years ago

Wow!!!

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thanks and glad you enjoyed it! I'm glad I could get out some sailing in the sun too! :)

brian taggart - 6 years ago

controlled jibe ...?

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Yes. :)

brian taggart - 6 years ago

cool apparently I have a spinnaker sail as well with a pole ?? we will see how that goes !!

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Great and have fun with it! :)

LAS - 6 years ago

Great video brother! enjoyed it.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it!!

JoeNietzsche - 6 years ago

I'm sitting in my room... yelling THERE IT GOES, THERE IT GOES! HELL YES! Thanks, Alf - I do enjoy these vids.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

So glad you enjoyed it!! :)

jfelix - 6 years ago

Alfie, great how to video. How about using a suffer or sleeve to make launch and retrieval easier, especially single handed? By the way, we watch a TV series called Murdock Mysteries, set in Toronto about the early 1900s and featuring a Toronto Constabulary Detective named William Murdock. Has anyone ever mentioned that you bear an uncanny resemblance to him, especially since you both are in the same line of work, solving crimes? Again, thanks for another great video.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thanks! I have a snuffer sock for my gennaker sail, but not for this one. With the way that I douse it I can manage it pretty well. Actually a little more wind makes dousing it easier. ha I have heard of that show, but I haven't seen it before. I will check it out for sure! Thanks! :)

jfelix - 6 years ago

Should have read "snuffer" not suffer. Sorry!

Doug Rutherford - 6 years ago

Well done Alfie, remember one of your first videos on symetrical spinnakers. This one went far more smoothly. The one sail most single handers dread as things can go wrong so quickly. I too love the challenge of single handing. Big thumbs up

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thank you! I remember that older video. haha I agree that many people are intimidated by the spinnaker and I hope that I was able to show that it can be done single handed. :)

Ken Pole - 6 years ago

Good evening from Ottawa, Alfy. What size is the self-trailer on your mast? Cheers.

Ken Pole - 6 years ago

Tnx. Self “trailer” indeed! ⛵️

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

It is a Barient 19 - 2 speed self tailing.

Jeff C. - 6 years ago

What is the "boopboopboopboopboop. " sounds?

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

That is the propeller spinning.

Glen Petersen - 6 years ago

good job ,,, I wont set my spinnaker myself , ill just use my big genny on the furler ,, nice weather is comin to our coast ,,

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

Thanks. :) I often use my genoa or gennaker sail, but I wanted to show everyone that it is possible to use a spinnaker single handed. :) Looking forward to the good weather!

Cawffee _Tyme - 6 years ago

Alfie, is it better toi have a spinnaker for downwind sailing, or a gennaker especially when single handing? I woulod think a gennaker would be better as you wouldn't really have to worry about a pole.....just sheets.

Life is Like Sailing - 6 years ago

I gennaker is definitely easier and I use one often when single handing the boat. I think the spinnaker is a better sail, but more work for sure. I just wanted to show everyone that you can single hand a spinnaker as a lot of people are intimidated by it. :)

About Life is Like Sailing - Single Handed Spinnaker Sailing

The "Life is Like Sailing - Single Handed Spinnaker Sailing" video is part of the Sealing, tipps, boating category, which contains similar videos like this one.