A dousing sock makes a full spinnaker manageable before the sail reaches the deck. It is optional, and it does not change the aerodynamic cut of the sail.
Dousing Sock or no Dousing Sock
A Dousing Sock, also called a Stasher or Snuffer, is a sleeve running almost the full length of the sail, with a mouth at the bottom and a control line led to the head.
Pulling the sock down smothers the sail from the head downward. Raising it releases the sail. Because the sock works around the outside of the spinnaker, the sail itself can still be designed for its aerodynamic job.
A Dousing Sock is useful for cruising crews and other situations where controlled hoists and drops matter more than the fastest possible manoeuvre. A practiced racing crew may prefer to launch and recover directly from the bag.
How to use it
The normal sequence is simple:
- Hoist the sail while it is fully contained inside the sock.
- Pull the sock up to the head to uncover the sail and let it fill.
- To recover, ease the sheet first, then pull the control line so the sock comes down over the sail from the head.
- Lower the covered sail to the deck or into its bag.
The sock makes the sail easier to control; it does not replace a clear tack, sheet or halyard setup. Keep the control line clear of the forestay, pulpit and sheets, and do not pull the sock down while the sail is still loaded with wind.
When a sock is the right choice
Choose a Dousing Sock when the priority is a calm, repeatable recovery with a cruising or short-handed crew. A top-down furler may be a better fit when the crew wants to stay away from the foredeck, while an experienced racing crew may prefer direct launch and recovery from the bag.
What is matched to the sail
When Dousing Sock is selected, the sailmaker confirms its length, upper and lower circumference, head arrangement and control-line length from the finished sail. Sock Color is available as a separate choice.
These measurements are production outputs. The customer chooses whether the system is wanted; the system is then sized to the sail.
Choose the working bag
The Bag Type is working equipment, not just packaging.
- A Drawstring Bag is the standard soft storage option.
- A Side Launcher keeps the sail organised for a launch from the rail or foredeck.
Choose the bag that matches how the sail will be set and recovered. If the routine is unusual, describe it in Note so the bag and Stasher are reviewed together.