Marco writes...
My experience is the following:
1. retrieving the large spi is not more difficult than retrieving the old one, if the technique used is good (thanks for the advice I got, it really helped) with double patch the whole spinnaker remains within the tube (no sock needed) on kyrwood 8097
2. the spinnaker I got is taller and flatter, therefore I noticed a great increase in performance in close reaches while on the dead run is not too hot (mind you it is also possible I got used to the incredible performance on the reaches)
3. such shape will enhance jibing contests (it is more similar to a jennaker in the use)
4. the jib/spinnaker interference was greatly reduced, higher aspect seems to have cleaner flow over the spinnaker, and there is more distance between spinnaker and jib,
5. main sail is sheeted in harder... faster speed?
6. if the spinnaker empties, well major adjustment of crew weight placement is fundamental.
7. because it is flatter it does not empty as often, more forgiving...
8. overall it seems as easy as the old one to carry.
the above observations were taken in winds below 10 knots i.e. in close haul the crew was sitting on the centreboard well, while the skipper on the windward side, when the spinnaker was hoisted we were both sitting on the windward side and in the gust the crew had to go out on the trapeze, the boat was planning almost the entire time (not a real fast plane, but the bow was up and clean stream on the stern)....I weight 75 kg my crew approximately the same.
Thanks everybody for the advice on retrieving it what worked for me is: retrieving line on the outside, pole out till the last possible moment, sheeting in a bit more.
Marco