UK Sailmakers’ Encyclopedia of Sails

4.8 – Drifters


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A Drifter is a full-draft, lightweight nylon No. 1 genoa that does away with the frustration and aggravation of sailing in light air. Drifters are a hybrid designed specifically for cruising sailors. Its wind range is from 1-15 knots when the apparent wind angle is 30-90 degrees. It can be used on a run when set wing-and-wing with a whisker pole.

A Drifter is even easier to use than a cruising spinnaker since the sail has the same profile as a genoa. UK can custom-make the luff attachment of a Drifter to fit your furling system, to be used with hanks or set flying. Like a spinnaker or a cruising spinnaker, you have a choice of many colors to mix and match.


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