Types of Asymmetric Spinnakers

There are a number of asymmetric spinnakers which are popularly mentioned in codes. Sometimes new sailors get confused with these names since those are only numbers. If you too have faced the problem, please go through this post. 

 Here we have tried to simplify.

Before getting into the classification, let us reiterate the definition of an asymmetric spinnaker.

An asymmetric spinnaker is a sail which is not attached to the forestay along the luff but it is attached on the corners only. It does not require a pole since it’s fixed to the bowsprit. It is easy to gybe and highly recommended for the fast planing dinghies.

Asymmetric spinnakers are classified on the basis of their roles at different wind conditions. The nomenclature of 0 to 6 which is normally used to code-name the asymmetric spinnakers follow the rule of odd and even numbering.

What makes people confused is that the numbering is not consecutive for reaching and running sails. We have got code 1, 3 and 5 for reaching sails, code 2, 4 and 6 for running sails and code 0 for the most upwind capable tight reaching sail.

So if we count from 0 to 6 keeping in mind the wind conditions and the usage of the sail we shall get the following order--

Code 0-- The tight reaching sail, a hybrid of genoa and spinnaker, most suitable to sail upwind

Code 1-- A reaching sail for light air, where the apparent wind angles are less than 90 degrees

Code 2-- A running sail for medium air, meant for apparent wind angles of more than 90 degrees

Code 3-- A reaching sail for medium air, meant for the times when the apparent wind angle is near 90 degrees

Code 4-- A running sail for the heaviest wind conditions, but not storms

Code 5-- A reaching sail for the heaviest wind conditions

Code 6-- A perfect storm sail