J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum Racing Tools and Techniques Launching Spin from Front Hatch?

Steve - I remember when I crewed on Smiles for the 2007 NAs that they did the spinnaker in the fwd hatch, but don't recall the details. Just wondering on the following questions if you could explain what's done.

• Is the spin halyard left attached, or connected just before launch? It can be done either way though keeping attached provides the set up with the least amount of work - however, foredeck needs to insure they keep the halyard clear of the jib so as not to affect jib shape/trim
• If connected before launch, I assume it has to run forward, outside the jib, under the jib foot, then back to the spin head. Is it less difficult than that sounds? Yes it is less difficult than you make it sound. Set it up clean outside the jib and you'll be fine. Picture them both doused on the deck.
• Are sheets left connected after the douse? Yes.
• Does a person need to be below the fwd hatch to pull in the spinnaker, or can it be stuffed quickly enough from topside? The quickest way is to have someone below (much easier to pull down than push down from above) but it can be done from above. I find it takes the same amount of people (either two above pulling down and pushing or one above and one below).
• How many people are forward during the douse (doing what) If the pole comes down then it could be three (one to drop and secure pole, one to pull down spin and one below pulling in spin). If the pole is doused with a few seconds earlier to allow time to secure then you need only two (foredeck pulling down and one below to pull spin in).