Hey Nutsy,
Very, very long!

Ole Thom here. I hope this isn't a troll. I'm assuming it isn't.

First: Let's make sure of our terms..
I'm not sure what you're using on your forestay? It sounds very much
like a "TACKER"

2nd: If "Derelict" is rigged to fly a Standard Spinnaker we have to
make sure. If so Equip. the front of your mast will probably have an
adjustable spinnaker pole eye clip to adjust the height of the pole ( To
keep it horizontal) There should be two lines rigged on the front of
the mast. One to support the spinnaker pole to keep the front end from
drooping below the horizontal and a second line, rigged below the pole
to keep the pole from rising. I know them as Spinn. Lifts and Spinn
downhauls (that's what they do, they may have other names. If you have
them, we'll talk about them later
( I hope this isn't a troll)

3rd; The Spinnaker (If a standard) should have three (3) corners. A head
and two corners the same distance from the head and at the foot of the
sail. They are alternately connected as Guy and Sheet. The Guy is
attached to the pole end and a line comes back to the cockpit (Outboard
of all shroud, pulpits. lifelines etc. The Sheet is set flying free with
only a sheet line connected and led thru a block, usually located near
the stern. The Guy line is run thru a similiar Block on the opposite
side of the cockpit. On a Std Spinn the guy and the clew should be at
the same hight

4th; Let's trim the Std Chute. The Guy is used to pull the chute out
from under the shadow of the main so the pole has the be mount on the
windward side of the forestay. You can pull the Spinn around until the
leading edge starts to fold in. If it is rigged right it should fold the
full lenght of the leading edge. Then ease the guy until the leading
edge is drawing again. If the edge doesn't brake clean, top to bottom,
adjust the hight of the pole with the lift and downhaul. (Tighter if top
brakes to early.

There are two types of Gybes for the std Spinn: Dip Pole and an End for
End. If yu want me to go thru them E-mail me.
I sure as hell hope you're not trolling

Now: Now Assy Spinn
1st: I'm not sure that you were using the Guy hooked to the tack. You
could have but it should be run thru a block mounted at the foot of
forestay. The working end goes to the tack of "TACKER" ( It seems like
the Spinn Guy is about the same thing
I carry my Assy in a sleeve but you'll have
three corner;
A clew, aguy and the head. Hook the Spinnaker Halyard to the head and
the sheets to the clew. ( I use a 3/8" nylon line, 120 ft long) I double
it in half, push the loop thru the clew eye, run the two looe end thru
the loop that is formed and draw them tight. This gives me two sheets
which I run outside EVERYTHING, one on each side of the boat.

2nd; Furl the head sail. Draw the headsail sheets down to the drum and
secure them there (I use a bungy cord). Snap on the Tracker, steer
downwind enough to create a wind shadow in the area you are working. I
like to set the tack at about "Balls level" Susy will need to think of
something else. Raise the sail with Spinn Halyard, Set working sheet and
sail out of the shadow. Hang on 'cause she should take off. It will be
fast but she is ok. Trim it as you would the Std. Let out on the sheet
until you get the leading edge folding in.( that line you said was the
Guy) That can be used rise or lower the sail to control the leading
edge.

Note; Don't ever turn up wind if you feel in trouble. It is not a
Standard Head Sail. Head downwind to blanket the sail and you can lower
with ease

2nd note; If you are blanketing the sail it probably means your heading
is to low
Corrections; 1; Ease the down haul (on a free flying sail you can
sometimes get the Assy above the shadow.
2: Sail a higher course
3: If you are looking to hold a course lower than you can maintain, Gybe
the Spinn Over and pole out the clew. Sail wing and wing

Point to Remember: If you feel you're in trouble; DON'T TURN INTO THE
WIND! Turn down wind to shadow the Spinnaker

By the way; Another way to avoid the shadow is the Bowsprit. I set one
with my boat by using the spinnaker pole.run out on the anchor roller
with a clamp ( Pin thru two drills holes in the roller guides )
and a ring screwed to the forward hatch slide

If you want more info e-mail me

OT