Spinnaker and Downwind Sails
Whether you sail a sprit boat or a boat with a traditional spinnaker pole, UK Sailmakers has the spinnakers that will make your boat faster and easier to sail downwind. Just like genoas, spinnakers are designed for specific wind ranges, which requires building an inventory of sails. Work with your UK Sailmakers representative to create the best inventory of spinnakers for your boat and racing needs. Testing shows that Asymmetrical Spinnakers have a narrower range than Symmetrical Spinnakers; therefore, you’ll need more of them to cover the same range of conditions.
Asymmetrical Spinnakers
Code Zero Light Air Reaching
Description:
Light Air asymmetrical reaching sail that meets the minimum definition of a spinnaker. While it is a very small spinnaker, it is nearly three times the size of a light No. 1 on a boat with non-overlapping genoas.
Apparent Wind Speed:
0 – 10 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
45 – 70 degrees
Materials:
Light laminate or 1.5 oz. nylon
A1 Light Air Reaching
Description:
Light Air Reaching Asymmetrical Spinnaker. In the past would have been called a VMG spinnaker. Used in winds to light to sail deeper than 110 degrees AWA.
Apparent Wind Speed:
0 – 10 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
70 – 110 degrees
Materials:
.5 oz. nylon
A2 Light Air Running
Description:
Light/Medium Air Running Asymmetrical. Full size with big shoulders designed to rotate to windward of the headstay at deep angles.
Apparent Wind Speed:
8 – 18 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
105 – 155 degrees
Materials:
.6 to .75 oz. nylon
A3 Medium Air Reaching
Description:
Medium Air Reaching Asymmetrical Spinnaker. Wider and deeper shape than the A1. Yet narrower and flatter than the A2 and A4.
Apparent Wind Speed:
10 – 20 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
70 – 130 degrees
Materials:
.9 to 1.5 oz. nylon
A4 medium / Heavy Running
Description:
Medium/Heavy Running Asymmetrical Spinnaker. Smaller shoulders than A2, yet still designed to rotate to windward at the headstay at deeper angles.
Apparent Wind Speed:
14 – 30 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
115 – 155 degrees
Materials:
.9 to 1.5 oz. nylon
A5 Heavy Air Spinnaker
Description:
Heavy Air Reaching Asymmetrical Spinnaker. Short on the hoist, or flown from the hounds instead of the masthead on a fractional rig.
Apparent Wind Speed:
20 – 35 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
115 – 155 degrees
Materials:
1.5 to 2.2 oz. nylon
Symmetrical Spinnakers
Code Zero Light Air Reaching
Description:
Light Air asymmetrical reaching sail that meets the minimum definition of a spinnaker. While it is a very small spinnaker, it is nearly three times the size of a light No. 1 on a boat with non-overlapping genoas.
Apparent Wind Speed:
0 – 10 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
45 – 70 degrees
Materials:
Light laminate or 1.5 oz. nylon
S1 Light Air Reaching
Description:
Light Air Reaching Symmetrical Spinnaker. In the past would have been called a VMG spinnaker. Used in winds to light to sail deeper than 110 degrees AWA.
Apparent Wind Speed:
0 – 10 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
70 – 110 degrees
Materials:
.5 oz. nylon
S2 Light Air Running
Description:
Light/Medium Air Running Symmetrical Spinnaker. Full size with big shoulders designed to fly at deep angles.
Apparent Wind Speed:
6 – 18 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
110 – 170 degrees
Materials:
.6 to .75 oz. nylon
S3 medium Air Reaching
Description:
Medium Air Reaching symmetrical Spinnaker. Wider and deeper shape than the S1. Yet narrower and flatter than the S2 and S4.
Apparent Wind Speed:
10 – 20 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
70 – 130 degrees
Materials:
.9 to 1.5 oz. nylon
S4 Medium / Heavy Running
Description:
Medium/Heavy Running Symmetrical Spinnaker. Smaller shoulders than S2, yet still designed to fly at deeper angles.
Apparent Wind Speed:
14 – 30 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
120 – 170 degrees
Materials:
.9 to 1.5 oz. nylon
S5 Heavy Air Spinnaker
Description:
Heavy Air Reaching Asymmetrical Spinnaker. Short on the hoist, or flown from the hounds instead of the masthead on a fractional rig.
Apparent Wind Speed:
20 – 35 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
90 – 170 degrees
Materials:
1.5 to 2.2 oz. nylon