polyester Regatta braid 7/16" for my sheets, a 40 foot Tartan. You probably can go down to 1/2". Not sure what the line Jon is suggesting, but he knows what's good. I like the feel of the braid in my hands, soft & strong. I think Larry's suggestion is a bit long on length at 2X, but you can't go wrong there. Mine are 50 feet, but I like them short, I don't like all that line in the cockpit, and that's probably a tad short if I had a real problem, but hopefully I won't ... I would think 1.5X boat length would be fine. I always use bowlines, no shackles ... they can be dangerous.

Get yourself a sock, you will be forever thankful as will teh crew, and you will avoid many problems. Call Etienne at ATN directly and tell him you want the sailmaker's cost, he will dicker with you if you ask nicely ! (800) 874-3671. Check out his website www.atninc.com.

There are good articles in SAIL and CW magazines for spinnaker management, search their sites. There are excellent tips on the ATN site as well.

Cheers, John