A short guide to spinnaker and its types

Mon, Nov 10th 2014, 08:09

All kinds of sails have been developed and used for sailing and relevant activities. Schooners, ketch, yawls, spinnakers, you name it.


ll kinds of sails have been developed and used for sailing and relevant activities. Schooners, ketch, yawls, spinnakers, you name it. There is not ‘no’ for an answer when you are out there looking for your perfect sail boat. The increase in water sports and related activities has made this industry much more demanding than before. Sailmakers around the world are trying to create those really robust sails that will offer you the perfect experience of cruising sales. One simple category of boats that has been really intimidated its users and have been lately making an impression are the spinnakers. Here is a short guide to briefly understand them.


What is a spinnaker?


These are sails that can be used when you are willing to travel off-wind. The prime feature of this item is it is filled with wind and balloon and is placed in the front region of the boat. When deployed, the lift and the drag generated by the sails causes the boat to propel forward. Basically, there are two different types of spinnakers that are generally used by sailors or adventure sport enthusiasts. Each of them is used depending on the knowledge and experience level of the individual.


What are its types?


Before you dive into understanding the classification, know that both of these are used in a boat to ensure that it survives on all kinds of weather and wind conditions.


Symmetric – More of a classical type, these run symmetrical along with the boat and is controlled by two lines, namely sheet and guy. These are the names given to the two corner lines that are used in controlling the sail. This one is used when the boat is sailing in a downward wind direction. The windward line or guy is attached to the corner of the sailboat in a pole. The leeward line or sheet is used in controlling its shape.


Asymmetric – this concept is more than a century old and has been there since like forever. The tack is attached to a bow that is also frequently mounted on a bowsprit. With two sheets, they are very much like a jib. Since the sail is fixed to a bow, there is no pole required to hold the lines.


A racing boat has both these sail types to enjoy sailing at all conditions. However, it is not mandatory and they also go out solo. You can use on a symmetrical sailing boat to an asymmetrical one or vice versa depending on your requirements.


Yacht sails are becoming very much popular due to the availability of variation. Like the aforementioned, there are various other sail types that are used. Having the best type gives you a sailing experience of a lifetime. Whether or not the yacht sails used by you are going to be effective for you clearly depends on your sailing experience. Find the best provider who can guide you on the selection so that your boat can leave behind every other ride in the waters.

Written By Spin Nakers

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