Spinnakers

We all know that the large, colourful sails seen on boats sailing downwind are called spinnakers, but few know where the name comes from. One story says the word is derived from the name of the first yacht to use such a sail, the "Sphinx". The sail was so much larger than any other sail previously seen that it became known as "Sphinx's acre", hence the term spinnacre or spinnaker.

Because of the sail's rounded shape and colourful material, most sails have a resemblance to a parachute and therefore often call a "chute". In Australia, they are often referred to as a "kite" because of the way they fly out in front of the boat.

Although some older spinnakers are of crosscut construction, most modern spinnakers use radial or tri-radial construction. Because the spinnaker is only attached to the boat at three corners, all the stress radiates into the sail at these points. With a tri-radial sail, the stress is along the seams instead of across them, making a stronger sail and minimizing stretch and distortion.

Spinnakers come in two styles – the symmetrical spinnaker primarily used for down-wind sailing and the asymmetrical spinnaker which is used when the boat is going downhill or across the wind.

We offer a comprehensive range of options for all of our spinnakers including sail numbers, racing box bags and spinnaker socks.

Link to: Headsail, Mainsails, Screechers