At the Tiger Worlds last year (2001) in Italy there was not one boat that had any snuffer type system. However, this year at the F18 Worlds in Germany the majority of boats were using a snuffer system.

Why the change? I think it came from the introduction of the spinnaker to the Olympic Tornado class and their change and development from the traditional style tramp bags to the snuffer type systems, and that change has carried over to most catamaran sailboats that carry a spinnaker (except for long distance racers). But because the snuffer type systems are so new there is a very rapid developmental period that is happening right now and nobody has decided what is the best snuffer system to use.

Below are 2 examples of what are available right now, one system that's been around for awhile and one brand new system. Below we'll show some of the advantages and disadvantages of each system and a thought as to what is in the future for snuffers.

Advantages

• uses bag/sock so is lighter than new fiberglass tube
  
• spin tack is permanently attached to end of pole so no extra tack line to pull tack of spin out to end of pole
  
• less expensive
  
• able to hold spinnaker longer at leeward mark and actually take down spin while rounding mark and heading upwind
  

• more windage having sock all the way out to end of pole
  
• if something happens to spin it's difficult to fix on the water (can't reach end of pole from bow of boat)
  

This snuffer is an optional feature in the Tiger and costs US$390. It includes the bag, bowl and all spinnaker hardware (sheets, halyards, bridles, etc.) Many North American Tiger sailors have gone with different style socks other than the blue stock sock that comes standard with the spinnaker kit simply because the fabric is not very giving and it tends to be smaller in width then other socks.

Approximate weight of this snuffer system is 2.0 lbs. You can order this directly through your Hobie Dealer now. It is both Hobie class legal and F18 legal.

Advantages

• if something does happen to spinnaker while on the water you can reach it to fix
  
• does not absorb water

Disadvantages

• heavy (6 lbs.)
  
• must take down spin while sailing downwind
  
• need separate spin tack line or spin halyard attached to spin tack line to get spin tack to end of pole when launching
  
• expensive
  
• 3 holes/patches needed in spinnaker instead of 2 with end of pole snuffer. The Mid pole snuffer system is also an optional feature on the Tiger.
  

Some things to consider
There are many other snuffer options available which vary on the systems mentioned above. One of which uses a hoop (fiberglass or aluminum) that is attached to the pole in some fashion just in front of the bridle wires (mid-pole) and uses a bag that either stops at the front crossbar or continues on under the tramp depending on how many patches (2 or 3) you want to put in your spinnaker. An example of someone using this system is Jeff Alter who has welded the aluminum hoop that Hobie Cat provides to the side of his spinnaker pole and uses a bag that stops at the front of the crossbar. Another system uses an aluminum bowl which fits above the spin pole at the bridle wires which basically takes up the triangle space between the spinnaker pole and the bridle wires. It uses a bag that attaches to the hoop and starts off on top of the spinnaker pole and as it goes back, it gradually works its way to the side of the pole and then under the pole as it reaches the crossbar (no pictures available). Only time will tell which system will be the best, but I think some configuration of the mid-pole system will eventually work the best.