C-Tech Ltd has launched their latest product - ‘CT SnuffAir’ - an innovative, inflatable spinnaker retrieval system that replaces the solid bucket or hoop traditionally used with spinnaker socks.
Soft and flexible, with no rigid edges to damage crew or rigging, the CT SnuffAir can be deflated between hoists and stowed away down a fore-hatch or inside a spinnaker bag. The space-saving benefits, manoeuvrability and improved crew safety make the CT SnuffAir a must-have for yachts over 50ft.
“A huge advantage was being able to man-handle the spinnaker on the foredeck and down the side of the boat when packing and preparing for the race. Being able to deflate the bucket you could drag it around, bump over winches and fit between the cap shrouds and the seating area.” [Fraser Brown, on board SY Salute]

Key Features of CT SnuffAir
• An inflatable spinnaker retrieval system for yachts 50ft and upwards
• Consists of a strong bladder inside a chafe-guard, with optional spinnaker sock
• Inflatable bladder is supplied with an inflation valve and pressure relief valve
• Attaches to the spinnaker sock with strong zips
• Spinnaker sock is supplied with a control-line pocket made from material with excellent anti-burn properties
• Available as a complete system (including spinnaker sock) or can be retro-fitted to an existing spinnaker sock

CT SnuffAir components

The CT SnuffAir spinnaker retrieval system consists of a strong bladder inflated to 10PSI inside a chafe-guard. The bladder is detailed with up and down line attachment points, an inflation valve and pressure release valve. The chafe-guard prevents any wear or burn caused by friction from the control lines. As well as protecting the inflatable bladder the chafe-guard provides a slippery surface for the spinnaker to run over. Strong zips, fitted to the chafe-guard, also provide the means by which the bladder is attached to the spinnaker sock.
CT SnuffAir is supplied with a control line pocket made from material with excellent anti-burn properties. This material helps prevent damage to the spinnaker sock and potentially the spinnaker itself, prolonging the life of both.
CT SnuffAir’s advantages over a solid hoop or “bucket”
• deflates quickly and can be dropped down the fore hatch
• no restrictions on hatch size
• significant space saving below deck, when deflated and packed away
• safe to operate, as release valve prevents over inflating
• compatible with existing on-board inflation systems
• improved crew safety, no hard edges swinging above deck
• less potential for damage to mast, rig, spinnaker, paintwork, deck gear & equipment aloft
• chafe-guard provides a slippery surface for hoisting and dropping the spinnaker
• light and easy to use

CT SnuffAir has been tested during several recent Superyacht regattas on yachts ranging in size from 82ft (CrackerJack, Swan 82) to 172ft (Salute, Perini Navi). Thanks to Peter Harrison’s crew on board Sojana (Farr 115) who tested several variations of the CT SnuffAir during its development.