Cruising Spinnakers
Whether your boat is set up with a bowsprit or a traditional spinnaker pole, UK Sailmakers’ Matrix Spinnakers are designed to make downwind sailing more enjoyable, stable, and efficient. Unlike racing, where you build a full sail inventory for every wind angle and strength, cruising sailors typically prioritize ease of handling and a having a smaller, more versatile inventory. Your UK Sailmakers representative can help you select the best cruising spinnaker for your boat, your typical conditions, and your crew. Asymmetrical Spinnakers are more popular for cruising because they’re easier to set, trim, and douse—especially with a sock or top-down furler—while Symmetrical Spinnakers offer unmatched deep downwind performance for longer offshore passages.
Asymmetrical Spinnakers
Cruising Code Zero
Description:
Flat reaching spinnaker designed for close reaching in light air. Especially valuable for modern cruising boats with non-overlapping genoas. The design can be refined to your boat.
Apparent Wind Speed:
1 – 16 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
45 – 125 degrees
Materials:
Light laminate or 1.5 oz. nylon
Easy Furl Code D
Description:
A cruising spinnaker with a nearly straight luff that rolls like a genoa. The straight luff makes this sail look like the letter “D.” With a continuous line furler, the sail is very easy to use.
Apparent Wind Speed:
3 – 16 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
70 – 160 degrees
Materials:
0.75 oz. – 1.5 oz. nylon
Cruising Spinnaker
Description:
Asymmetrical pole-less cruising spinnaker. Sail is optimized for reaching and broad-reaching. Made with 0.75 oz. nylon, up to 1.5 oz. nylon depending on boat size and displacement.
Apparent Wind Speed:
5 – 18 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
75 – 165 degrees
Materials:
0.75 oz. – 1.5 oz. nylon
Symmetrical Spinnakers
Stabilizing Spinnaker
Description:
Symmetrical cruising spinnaker with an airfoil section that makes the sail more stable and reduces downward forces that can bury a boat’s bow in strong winds.
Apparent Wind Speed:
2 – 25 knots
Apparent Wind Angle:
80 – 180 degrees
Materials:
Nylon