Asym vs sym debate for pacific northwest use

[Nikko rants]

My buddy's PSC37 is based in Port Townsend and he keeps asking if a symmetric kite is worth rigging for coastal cruising. We get mixed conditions out here and aren't racing. Anyone regret going full asym without a pole? Is a sock setup with a sym ever really easy short-handed?

 

[CrestlineCruiser]

For easy solo sailing, an asym spinnaker with a sock is usually the way to go. Symmetrical spinnakers can work with a sock, but they're trickier to handle alone if you don't have a pole.

 

[Nikko rants]

For easy solo sailing, an asym spinnaker with a sock is usually the way to go. Symmetrical spinnakers can work with a sock, but they're trickier to handle alone if you don't have a pole.

Aligns with our goal of keeping things simple. We're leaning heavily toward an asym with a sock for his PSC37, given the variable winds we see around here. For an asym used for cruising in the PNW, is there a specific cut like an A2 or A3 that you find most versatile? We're hoping to make a decision and order a sail before the season ends to test it out.

 

[sh3rbet_]

My buddy's PSC37 is based in Port Townsend and he keeps asking if a symmetric kite is worth rigging for coastal cruising. We get mixed conditions out here and aren't racing. Anyone regret going full asym without a pole? Is a sock setup with a sym ever really easy short-handed?

A sock setup makes a huge difference, but a symmetric setup with a pole is still more work.
While the sock makes setting and dousing a breeze, you still have to deal with the pole, topping lift, and guys during a gybe.
It's manageable, but for a short handed crew on a cruising boat, it's a lot of running around on the foredeck. If he's not racing, the trade off in complexity might not be worth the added downwind speed

 

[Nikko rants]

A sock setup makes a huge difference, but a symmetric setup with a pole is still more work.
While the sock makes setting and dousing a breeze, you still have to deal with the pole, topping lift, and guys during a gybe.
It's manageable, but for a short handed crew on a cruising boat, it's a lot of running around on the foredeck. If he's not racing, the trade off in complexity might not be worth the added downwind speed

Thank you for clarifying how to handle a symmetric spinnaker. Your explanation matches our feedback and supports our decision. We agree an asymmetric sail is best for short-handed cruising. We will use an asymmetric with a dousing sock and will consult a sailmaker. For Pacific Northwest cruising with variable winds, do you recommend an all-purpose running A2 or a flatter reaching A3?