Huge 'kite-like' sails measuring up to 300 m2 used for downwind sailing (wind behind the boat) Smaller, flatter spinnakers, known as gennakers are used for reaching (wind coming from the side of the boat) Spinnakers can be made of either nylon or the grey-coloured Cuban Fibre, Highest boat speeds of up to 30 knots can be reached with a spinnaker in a 40knot breeze
A light sail, usually of considerable spread, roughly triangular and fully cut which is hoisted forward of the mast and used for increased speed when reaching or running
A spinnaker is a large, light, triangular sail that is attached to the front mast of a boat. a sail with three points at the front of a boat, used when the wind is directly behind (Perhaps from Sphinx name of the first boat on which such a sail was used)
A large ballooning sail that is flown in front of the yacht when the wind comes from aft of abeam Spinnakers are used when running or reaching, sailing downwind Also called Kite or Chute The head is pulled to the top of the mast, using the halyard; the tack is at the spinnaker pole, projecting it away from the yacht; and the clew is connected to the sheet, trimming the sail