Spinnaker flying on the Choctawhatchee Bay

May 24, 2009

claire11

Local family enjoys high-flying adventure

Colleen and Brett Hinely of Bluewater Bay, take their two daughters, Aubrey and Claire for high-flying adventure on their sailboat, as the youngsters enjoy spinnaker flying near their home on the Choctawhatchee Bay.

Colleen explains how it is done –
The spinnaker sail is the very forward sail that helps to push the boat along on a downwind. For spinnaker flying, we rig the bottom lines of the sail with a swing attachment. When the spinnaker chute (like a giant sock that goes over the sail) is pulled up and a person is on the swing in the water, the sail fills quickly (depending on the wind) sending the person high into the air.

Many times when the wind has been good, I have floated to above the mast – and can see for miles…kind of like parasailing, the difference being the person on the swing is in full control to shift their weight around and do some neat stunts. claire2

The Hinelys belong to the The Bluewater Bay Sailing Club and have a fun race every Wednesday night at 6 p.m.  Prizes are awarded after each race. Anyone is welcome to bring boat and enjoy around 2 hours out on the water. For more information go to: http://www.bbsc.com

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