he question was asked: What's the best setup for an Olson 30 spinnaker launch and retreival.

There is no definitive answer, but here are some opinions.
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Diagrams of Companionway Launch system:

1. 1)Design 1
   

2. 2)Design 2
   

On Polar Bear, we launch the first time from the rail mid foredeck and then douse and launch through the fordeck hatch, no one goes below and the halyards and sheets stay attached all the time. We choose which side to take the sail down on depending on which side we plan to hoist on.

Eric Thomas

Without a doubt , the best launch is from a turtle off the bow...........we launch from as close to the bow as possible , on the first launch..........we like to sail light , and too often we can't afford to have someone go below to repack , so our 2nd launch is usually out of a bag under the cabin hatch , although that's slower because you have to feed the chute out over the cabintop where winches and rope clutches can snag the thing ..........and then there's the jib to interfere , as well as the halyard getting stuck between the spreaders and the mainsail.........not a good method , but sometimes necessary.........perhaps that's why so many modern boats go with the bowsprit and asym..........

Willi / Think Fast