Symmetrical Spinnakers
Many sailors swear that using a symmetrical spinnaker is a blissful experience. Imagine throwing up the chute with beautiful colors on display for all to see on a sunny, light wind day just cruising along the water in a dead downwind run. Sounds pretty great, right?
Symmetric spinnakers are a great choice for cruisers, however, they do require more experience and crew to handle and set up properly. The symmetrical sail is just as it sounds, both sides are identical on either side of its vertical center line. Often the use of a spinnaker pole and multiple lines to precisely control the sail is required. That’s why asymmetric spinnakers, in most cases, are more effective at going faster and can be simpler to use.
Cruisers are not the only ones to benefit from a symmetrical spinnaker. Because there is so much trimming potential, experienced racing crews can get a lot out of this sail.
When considering what kind of symmetrical spinnaker you want, it’s important to really think about what you’re planning to do with your boat. Make sure to also assess what gaps you have in your sailing inventory when making a decision. Precision Sails offers 7 size options for our Symmetrical sails, explore all of our symmetrical sail options below.
Predesigned Symmetrical Spinnaker
Our discounted Standard Sized Symmetrical All Purpose Spinnaker is perfect for cruisers needing a versatile sail.
Its medium-full shape and radial panel layout suit running and broad-reaching angles. The modern design allows easy trimming and minimizes heeling when reaching. The panels are configured in a full radial pattern and is designed with a deeper mid girth compared to its foot girth. Made of High Tenacity Nylon, it works for wind angles of 80-155 degrees. This sail requires the use of a spinnaker pole.
Pre-designed options include solid colors and a red, white, and blue pattern.
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Custom Cruising Symmetrical Spinnaker
Our custom-designed symmetrical spinnakers are an excellent addition to any sailor’s inventory, particularly for those who enjoy club racing. The panel layout is symmetrical in shape allowing them to be flown from either side of the boat via a spinnaker pole. These sails are used for sailing deeper downwind as their shape lends itself to broad reaches and runs.
During the design process, your sail designer will optimize the shape of the downwind sail to maximize the performance of your boat and make it easy to handle.
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S1 Light Reacher
The Code 1 Symmetrical Spinnaker is a Light Air Reaching sail. Designed with narrower girths in the upper part of the sail, medium fullness, and moderate head angle for added stability in light winds, this sail is meant to sail closer to the rig and allow for deeper wind angles. The S1 Light Reacher is manufactured from light spinnaker cloth and is best for a 60 – 120 Apparent Wind Angle and a 0 – 7 Apparent Wind Speed.
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S1.5 Light Runner
This light air runner takes advantage of a slightly larger upper section and girth to allow for more diversity in available angles while sailing downwind. Sailed close to the rig but not as close as an S1, this sail is made from light spinnaker cloth.
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S2 Medium Runner
The Code 2 Symmetrical Spinnaker is a Medium Air / All Purpose Running sail. This sail covers the largest range of apparent wind angles and speed. It is designed with maximum fullness and large head angle with big shoulders so that they fly with maximum projection and power. The top 10% of the sail is flatter than the rest of the sail. This sail will fly windward away from disturbed air of the mainsail and rig. It’s best for 115 – 170 Apparent Wind Angle and 6 – 18 Apparent Wind Speed.
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S3 Medium Runner
The Code 3 Symmetrical Spinnaker is a Medium Air / All Purpose Reaching sail. This design is much flatter with a smaller head angle and less shoulders than a running spinnaker. This allows it to sail at tighter apparent wind angles. It’s best for 55 – 105 Apparent Wind Angle and 3 – 20 Apparent Wind Speed.
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S4 Heavy Runner
Used for heavy wind running situations, and S4 Heavy Runner is smaller than an S2 and performs better in heavy wind. It operates best in 110-170° degrees of apparent wind angle and 14-30 knots of apparent wind speed.
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S5 Heavy Runner
The Code 5 Symmetrical Spinnaker is a Heavy Reaching sail. These sails are designed for very heavy running because of their reduced size, flat shape, and extra strong construction. Typically used in pole forward reaching conditions, they are normally manufactured from 1.5 oz. or 2.2 oz. spinnaker nylon or laminate spinnaker fabric for larger boats. The S5 performs best at a 90 – 160 Apparent Wind Angle and a 10 – 22 Apparent Wind Speed.
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Symmetrical Cloth Options
Cruising Nylon
With a long life span and durability in mind, Cruising Nylon is designed for performance cruising with yachts and long-distance. Our Cruising Nylon’s abilities are well suited for radial sails. They have excellent tenacity and strength making it an ideal choice for those long trips or circumnavigations. With built-in UV protection and low-shrink Polyester yarns, these cloths will give you an excellent finish that you can rely upon for years to come.
Racing and Club Racing Nylon
With Bainbridge and Contender’s range of performance fabrics, these sailcloths promote high performance, low weight, no porosity, and water resistance. Combined, this equates to excellent shape retention and flying temperament. Our series of Racing Nylons is ideal for the avid sailor who insists on a stellar performance.
Find Your Dream Spinnaker
Our sail consultants make it easy to understand the differences between the different symmetrical spinnakers. Book a consultation or request a quote for more information about pricing for an symmetrical spinnaker.
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