RB,

An Assy And a STD spinnakers are two different sails. There is nothing
Macho about either one.

A Std chute has less area than the Assy
but is fuller up high and can sail effectively farther downwind. In some
why it is easier to control and manover due to the way it is rigged.
That extra rigging just about doubles the price over the Assy, which
only requires a halyard. It cannot go as deep down wind but on a broad
reach it will leave the Std sucking wind.

If you have both you should make polars for both.

An Assy is easier to tack and if sailed correctly can travel farther and
faster and reach the downwind mark ahead of the Std. SOMETIMES!!! That
is why Polar are important.

I like my Assy best. It is a kick in the ass sail to play around with.
It is FAST! It makes your blood pump faster but to be honest I've been
probably whipped more times than not by STD Spinn on down wind legs.
Since I normally race in the cruising class (NO FLYING SAIL) I can't use
it around the bouys but on the long distance I move up a class and I can
get a long reach I can make a lot of the speed freak pretty nervuos

RB, if you don't have a Assy Chute, don't even screw with the bowsprit.
That will force you to carry your sail to low. A Std Chute should should
be flown with the pole about shoulder high. You should tack going
downwind. Maybe about 170 degrees to 190 degrees. You'll probably be in
a world where a Assy can't live

Good nite,
Ole Thom