SYMMETRICAL SPINNAKERS
S5 — Heavy Air Spinnaker
Also called a “Storm Spinnaker” or “Chicken Chute,” the S5 is your bulletproof heavy-air sail for ocean racing. Built for running in 20-35 knots with a shortened hoist and ultra-durable 2.2 oz. nylon.
Why add an S5?
The S5 is an ocean racing sail designed for truly heavy conditions. With no shoulders and an all-purpose shape geared more to running than reaching, it’s built to keep you in control when the wind pipes up to 20-35 knots. On fractionally rigged boats with masthead spinnakers, the S5 can fly from the hounds, making it shorter on the luff, foot length, and width for maximum stability.
Bulletproof Construction
Heavy 2.2 oz. nylon
Built to withstand storm conditions and heavy seas. This is the sail you reach for when conditions get serious.
Heavy Air Control
AWA 90-170° in 20-35 knots
Designed specifically for running in storm conditions when reaching would cause excessive heel. Keeps you in control when it matters most.
Shortened Hoist
Mid-girth 85-90% of foot
On fractional rigs, flies from the hounds for a shorter, more manageable profile. No shoulders means predictable, stable shape in gusty conditions.
S5 Specifications
Apparent Wind Angle
Optimized for AWA 90-170° in heavy air conditions when running downwind is the safest option.
Wind Speed Range
Designed for AWS 20-35 knots when conditions demand a storm-worthy sail that won’t overpower your boat.
Construction
Heavy-duty 2.2 oz. nylon with shortened hoist and mid-girth 85-90% of foot for maximum durability and stability.
Design Details
The S5 is purpose-built for ocean racing in heavy weather. Its all-purpose shape is geared more toward running than reaching, since most boats would heel dangerously out of control with the wind on the beam in such high winds. The lack of shoulders creates a more stable, predictable shape that won’t overpower your boat when conditions get serious.
For fractionally rigged boats with masthead spinnakers, the S5 is designed to fly from the hounds (the sheave just above the forestay). This shortened hoist makes the sail more manageable in extreme conditions, with reduced luff length, foot length, and overall width. The result is a storm spinnaker that gives you confidence when the weather turns nasty.
FAQs
When should I use an S5 instead of a larger spinnaker?
The S5 is your go-to sail when wind speeds reach 20-35 knots and you need a stable, reliable downwind option. If conditions are making your standard spinnakers too powerful or difficult to control, it’s time for the S5.
Why is the S5 also called a “Storm Spinnaker” or “Chicken Chute”?
These nicknames reflect the sail’s purpose: it’s your heavy-weather safety sail. “Storm Spinnaker” describes its heavy-duty construction and storm-worthy design, while “Chicken Chute” playfully acknowledges it’s the smart, conservative choice when conditions get serious.
Can fractional rigs use an S5?
Absolutely. On fractionally rigged boats with masthead spinnakers, the S5 is designed to fly from the hounds (just above the forestay) rather than the masthead. This creates a shorter luff, foot, and overall width that’s easier to manage in heavy conditions.
