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The ATN spinnaker sleeve was developed by the French-American
Etienne Giroire who has been competed in many races i.e
: Whitbread Europe 1-Star.
It has been designed with simplicity and performance in
mind resulting in making spinnaker handling a breeze.
The ATN sleeve can be used with either a traditional or
asymmetrical spinnakers (any free luff sail). The ATN
sleeve has many unique features enabling a spinnaker to
set whatever its shape or area ( up to 1000 m2 ).
Hoisting, lowering and gybing the spinnaker becomes a
very simple operation even with an inexperienced crew
in heavy weather. |
The ATN sleeve is essential for :
 short
handed cruising or racing whatever the crew's experience
large
sails ( up to 1000m2)
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THE
HOOP
The elliptical shape of the rigid hoop matches the
shape of the spinnaker : when operating the sleeve, the
spinnaker shoulders prevents the hoop from rotating. This
makes the sliding of the sleeve easier and there is no
risk of twisting during handling.
The hoop is fitted with two very soft control lines which
improves the efficiency and the speed of operation.
Made in Kevlar-epoxy, the hoop is ultra light yet rigid
and robust.
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THE
SLEEVE
The sleeve is made with a very supple and aerated cloth
which allows very quick drying of the sail (the sleeve
can be hoisted in harbour).
A special side sleeve is sewn alongside the main sleeve.
The control line runs through it eliminating fouling of
the control lines.
The contrasting colour provides a visual reference to
prevent the sail being hoisted with a twist or wrap during
bad weather or at night
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THE
HEAD
A Velcro opening is fitted at the head of sleeve.
This allows easy access to the spinnaker head to attach
the sleeve.
The wire pennant with a swivel at the head of the spinnaker
prevents the sleeve from affecting sail shape. |
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NAVIGATION
Gybing with the spinnaker is easier with ATN once the spinnaker
is sleeved, the adjustment of the spinnaker pole presents no
problem.
SAFETY
Speed of operation :
retrieval
is fast in case of wind change
prevents
the spinnaker from falling into the water
can be
used on the spinnaker when deflated
ADVANTAGES
The ATN sleeve allows the spinnaker to dry inside the sleeve.
Hoisted in the harbour, the spinnaker can dry without risk of
damage.
It is not necessary to fold the spinnaker. Left in the sleeve,
the tack and the clew are immediately accessible.
Ready to be used, the ATN sleeve requires no modification of
an existing spinnaker. The spinnaker is always "packed", ready
for action.
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The ATN sleeve is used on monohulls and multihulls in many famous
races such as the Around Alone, Vendée Globe, Whitbread, Europe
1-Star, Two-STAR, Route du Rhum and on charter fleets.
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