Day Sailing - Flying the Kite for the First Time

​Since we've never tried to fly the symmetrical spinnaker before, we were waiting for perfect light air conditions to practice.  Today we had 7 kts directly from the East, which made perfect conditions for a down wind run from Old Point Comfort to the Middle Ground light. So 10 shipmates pushed off from "A" dock and made way for Hampton Roads.  After passing G1, we turned right and raised sails.  After getting steady under main and jib, we setup the pole and lines for the spinnaker.  Since we only have one headsail halyard, we had to lower the jib before raising the spinnaker.  The  first hoist was not particularly graceful, but the helm did a great job keeping the boat under the kite.  When we ran out of room, we lowered the spinnaker and raised the jib again and headed for the center of the channel.  Once we got in better position, we lowered the jib and hoisted the spinnaker again.  Such a satisfying sound to hear the kite pop into place.  We continued until we had to tack and avoid a large barge.  We headed back to the barn in 3 tacks, close hauled, and making 5.5 kts.