SYMMETRICAL SPINNAKERS
S2 — Light Air Running
The most versatile spinnaker in your inventory. Perfect for light air reaching to dead running in moderate winds. Optimized for apparent wind angles 110–170° and 6–18 knots.
Why add an S2?
The S2 is the most used spinnaker on a boat since most races are sailed in moderate winds. In fact, if a boat only has one spinnaker, the S2 is THE spinnaker. The sail is the most versatile in an inventory since it gets used for light air reaching with the apparent wind just aft of the beam to dead running in winds over 15 knots.
Most Versatile
AWA 110–170° | AWS 6–18 kts
From light air reaching with apparent wind just aft of the beam to dead running in winds over 15 knots—the S2 does it all.
Matrix Construction
Full radial panel layout
Narrow panels oriented to align threads with primary load-paths reduce distortion and create the strongest sail for its weight.
Performance Materials
Superkote & Airx cloth
Performance nylon with the strength and stretch resistance of one weight heavier standard nylon—holds shape without distortion.
Design Features
The heart of faster spinnakers is the construction method. The panel layout UK Sailmakers uses is called Matrix, which is a full radial layout that features narrow panels, each oriented to better align the threads in the cloth with the primary load-paths in the spinnaker. This is the most effective way to reduce distortion and make the strongest sail for its weight.
Each panel is shaped on all four sides in order to create a smooth round sail. For one sail to be so versatile, it needs to hold its shape without distorting. Distortion becomes most obvious when close reaching. Spinnakers made with generic nylon cloth stretch in the middle, causing their leeches to harden or hook; which reduces driving power, creates drag, and increases heeling. The only way to prevent distortion, without using too heavy a fabric, is to use performance nylon spinnaker cloth like those made under the Superkote and Airx names. These materials have the same strength and stretch resistance as one weight heavier standard nylon.
Full Girths
Mid Girth 100–105% of foot length
Full shoulders and generous girths provide maximum projected area for light air power and stability in running conditions.
Light Cloth
Optimized weight for projection
Light cloth helps the sail project in lighter winds while maintaining shape integrity through performance materials.
Shaped Panels
Four-sided shaping
Each panel is shaped on all four sides to create a smooth, round sail that holds its shape without distorting.
FAQs
What makes the S2 the most versatile spinnaker?
The S2 covers the widest range of conditions—from light air reaching (AWA ~110°) to dead running in 15+ knots. If you only have one spinnaker, make it an S2.
How does Matrix construction improve performance?
Matrix’s full radial layout uses narrow panels oriented to align with load-paths, reducing distortion and creating the strongest sail for its weight. This keeps the shape consistent across all wind angles.
What’s the difference between standard nylon and performance materials?
Performance nylon like Superkote and Airx has the strength and stretch resistance of one weight heavier standard nylon. This prevents mid-sail stretching that causes leeches to harden or hook, especially when close reaching.
Can I customize the colors and design of my S2?
Absolutely! Use our Spinnaker Painting Program to create a custom look for your new spinnaker.
