Asymmetrical Spinnakers: A5 Heavy Air Spinnaker

AWA 85-130° as a heavy air reacher
AWA up to 155° running in heavy air
Can also be used as a reaching sail / code zero substitute in light-medium air

AWS 20-35 kts

Mid Girth 85-90% of foot

Heavy cloth

A5’s are a racing sail that is also commonly referred to as a “Storm Spinnaker” or a “Chicken Chute” because of their small size. Generally recommended to be paired with a spinnaker net for offshore racing. The sail has no shoulders and has an all-purpose shape that is designed to be used as a heavy reacher but can also be used for heavy air running.

The A5 is an incredibly versatile sail, which can be used in place of a Code Zero in light to medium wind conditions (although not as effective). This compromise can be helpful for some rating systems such as IRC where limiting the number of headsails onboard is essential.

It is designed to be “bulletproof”, usually made out of 2.2 oz. nylon. On a fractionally rigged boat with masthead spinnakers, the A5 is designed to fly from the hounds (the sheave just above the forestay). These sails are shorter on the luff, foot, and leech and are designed to be flatter than other kites, typically measuring in roughly 22% smaller than a full-sized sail.

Spinnaker Painting Program

Use this program to create a custom look for your new spinnaker or cruising spinnaker. Click here to go to the Spinnaker Painting Program.