I would go with 5/16 for the spin sheets. I think that 50' is a good length, mine are 44' and I find that they are a bit too short at times. You may want to consider using some non water absorbing rope for your sheets. I would also recommend using rope with a spectra/dyneema core as the load can get pretty big if you are close reaching. The nicest sheets I have seen were 5/16th flight line with 1/8 in dyneema spliced into the ends. My friend tim picked them off the sale table at west marine.

:: I just bought new ones for La Iguana last month. I
:: bought 1/4" halyard, topping lift and foreguy, with 3/8"
:: sheets. You can probably easily get away with 5/16"
:: sheets if you go by the book but I find them difficult
:: to handle. For length I bought 120' of 1/4 to split and
:: 50' each for the sheets (different colors is very, very
:: helpful.) I have a little extra 1/4" so you might get
:: away with 100' depending on your rigging. I don't
:: recomend less than 50' on the sheets as one always has
:: to go all the way around, 55' might even be better. I
:: don't have (but I've seen and used on Pat's Elaine)
:: ratcheting blocks for the sheets and highly recomend
:: them if you have the cash.
::
:: I'm not a spinnaker expert by any means. You might want
:: to email one of the other owners who does more racing
:: than I.
::
:: Good sailing,
::
:: Scott

:: #439

:: La Iguana
::
:: :: I'm planning on actually sailing with the spinnaker this
:: :: season, but I need sheets and guys for it. For some
:: :: reason, my boat came with everything BUT this particular
:: :: set of running rigging. Can anyone give me a guideline
:: :: on what to buy (line diameter, type, lengths, etc.)?
:: ::
:: :: Thanks!
:: ::
:: :: Andrew
::
:: :: #356
::
:: :: Poulet de la Mer