[blahman]

Robbie,

You read that correctly. I have 1000ft/2 asymmetric that I can use up to about 85* apparent; from there down to ~140* off, I'll often leave the main up and spinnaker unpolled, especially when in a harbor. I use a sock and single sheet, so if I have to gybe, I douse the asymm to move the sheet out and around, during which time it's nice to have the main up for blanketing and maneuverability; it lets the windvane do its job while I gybe the spinnaker.

If while on that broad reach I decide to set the pole for something deeper, I usually head down, get the asymm polled and drawing well, then drop the main without heading up. I find it easier to drop the leeward lazyjack, then sheet the main in and bring it down slowly, flaking it onto the boom while letting the windvane steer. On that run, there's not much pushing on the main, whereas if I head up to a beam reach (as high as I can get while keeping the asymm full), it's real hard on the main to come down, with all the apparent wind dragging it alone the shrouds and spreaders. I'd rather let the windvane sail the boat on the run and take a bit more time getting the main down, keeping it off the rigging.

Of course, if I am close reaching and decide I want to set the spinnaker for a run, I drop all three sails, then set the asymm; but if the chute has been set for a POS used with the main and I want to go down, I don't go through the hassle of dropping it and then resetting.

It seems to work well for me.

~A