::: Snuffers :::



Shedding some light on Snuffers *Comments provided by Greg Thomas of Hobie Cat USA*
	Things change fast in a year. While many American sailors have been using snuffer systems on their beach cats for years, the Europeans have been reluctant to put them on their boats until very recently. At the Tiger Worlds (2001) in Italy, there were no boats with any snuffer type systems; they were all still using the bag on the tramp system. However, at the F18 Worlds (2002) in Germany, the majority of boats there were using a snuffer system. And this year at the recent Tiger Worlds in Singapore, all of the boats had some snuffer type spinnaker system. Why the Change? I think it came from the introduction of the spinnaker to the Olympic Tornado class and their change and development from the traditional style tramp bags to the snuffer type systems. And that change has carried over to most beach catamaran sailboats that carry a spinnaker (except for long distance racers). But because the snuffer type systems are so new, there is a very rapid developmental period that is happening right now and nobody has decided what is the best type snuffer system to use. Below are some examples of what are available right now, one system that’s been around for awhile and some newer systems.
End of the pole (w/ sock):
	Advantages • Uses bag/sock so is lighter than fiberglass tube • Spin tack is permanently attached to end of pole so no extra tack line to pull tack of spin out to end of pole • Able to hold spinnaker longer at leeward mark and actually take down spin while rounding mark and heading upwind Disadvantages • More windage having sock and spin all the way out to end of pole • If something happens to spin it’s difficult to fix on the water (can’t reach end of pole from bow of boat) Approximate weight of this snuffer system is 2 lbs. It is both Hobie class legal and F18 legal Note: Skip Elliott makes a great sock.
Mid Pole (w/ fiberglass tube):
	Photo credit: Pierrick Contin Advantages • If something happens to spinnaker while on the water you can reach it to fix • Does not absorb water • Looks Disadvantages * • Heavy • Must take down spin while sailing downwind • Need separate spin tack line or spin halyard attached to spin tack line to get spin tack to end of pole when launching • 3 holes/patches needed in spin instead of 2 with end of pole snuffer (see diagram) . Note: You can order a spinnaker with three patches already positioned on your new spinnaker through your local dealer. Approximate weight is 6 lbs. It is both Hobie class legal and F18 legal There are many other snuffer options available which vary on the systems mentioned above. One type uses a hoop (fiberglass or aluminum) that is attached to the pole just in front of the bridle wires (mid-pole) and uses a bag/sock that either stops at the front crossbar or continues on under the tramp depending on how many patches (2 or 3) you want to put in your spinnaker. Another system uses a bowl which fits above the spin pole at the bridle wires that basically takes up the triangle space between the spinnaker pole and the bridle wires. I’ve seen 2 of these systems. One of which uses a bag that attaches to the hoop and starts off on top of the spinnaker pole and as it goes back towards
	pole and then under the pole as it reaches the crossbar. The other is a fiberglass tube that is fixed to the top of the spin pole. Only time will tell which snuffer system will be the best, but I think some configuration of the mid-pole system will eventually be the snuffer of choice. Whatever snuffer type system you’re using, if it works every time you launch or retrieve the spinnaker with no hang-ups it’s a success and much better and easier on the crew than the bag on the tramp system. For reference, Hobie Tiger Class rule 12.2 and 6.7 on spinnaker bowsprits, running gear and snuffers: 12.2 Only bowsprits supplied by HOBIE CAT COMPANY are class legal. The bowsprit shall be fixed on the longitudinal centerline of the boat as provided by the manufacturer. Supporting wires/lines may be shortened, lengthened, mounted and/or rigged in any manner. Additional blocks/cleats for spinnaker running gear and jib luff control as well as snuffer type systems may be mounted on the bowsprit. 6.7 Spinnaker sheet blocks of different design or make may be used. Additional blocks may be added. The spinnaker sheet blocks and spinnaker running gear may be mounted/rigged in any manner. The additions of snuffer type retrievable systems; including wind-up/dog leash retrievable halyard systems are allowed. Design is open. Carbon fiber material is not permitted in the snuffer. The rules basically state that the spinnaker pole only must be supplied by Hobie Cat Co. and after that you can rig the spinnaker in any fashion and use whatever snuffer type system you want as long as it’s not made of an exotic material such as carbon.