Technical specifications for symmetric spinnakers (S1-S4 classification).
| Type | Wind Range | Apparent Angle | Cloth Weight | Shape | Characteristics |
|---|
| S1 (Light Air) | 0-8 kts | 120-180° | 0.4-0.5oz nylon | Very full | Light air specialist (VMG downwind) |
| S2 (All-Purpose) | 8-18 kts | 100-180° | 0.75oz nylon | Full | Standard cruising/racing, most common |
| S3 (Reaching) | 14-24 kts | 90-160° | 0.75-1.5oz nylon | Moderate/Flat | Heavier reaching, reduced projection |
| S4 (Heavy Air) | 22-30+ kts | 100-180° | 1.5-2.2oz nylon | Flat, Stable | Storm conditions, max stability, heavy cloth |
| Property | Specification |
|---|
| Length | Typically = J measurement |
| Material | Aluminum or carbon |
| Diameter | Scaled to boat size |
| Fittings | Piston or trigger release |
Brand options:
| Brand | Material | Boat Size |
|---|
| Forespar | Carbon | 30-60ft |
| Hall Spars | Carbon | 35-70ft |
| Selden | Aluminum | 25-50ft |
| Type | Application |
|---|
| Piston | Standard, reliable |
| Trigger | Racing, quick release |
| Fixed | Budget |
| Configuration | Description |
|---|
| Windward pole | Active tack connection |
| Lazy guy | Pre-rigged for gybe |
| Foreguy/afterguy | Pole position control |
| Step | Action |
|---|
| 1 | Ease afterguy |
| 2 | Disconnect pole from mast |
| 3 | Connect to new tack |
| 4 | Reset pole angle |
| Layout | Application |
|---|
| Horizontal cut | Traditional, easy repair |
| Radial head | Improved load distribution |
| Tri-radial | Performance |
| Location | Layers |
|---|
| Head | 3-4 |
| Both clews (identical) | 4-6 |
| Radial tapes | Optional |
| Type | Application |
|---|
| Heavy cringle | Standard |
| Webbing loop | Racing |
| Spectacle | Two-sheet option |
| Method | Description |
|---|
| Pole end fitting | Piston engages cringle |
| Soft shackle | Alternative connection |
| Trip line | Quick release |
| Parameter | Description |
|---|
| SL | Spinnaker luff (clew to head) |
| SF | Spinnaker foot (clew to clew) |
| SMW | Spinnaker max width |
| SHW | Half-width measurement |
| Ratio | Typical Range |
|---|
| SF/J | 1.6-1.8 |
| SMW/SF | 0.75-0.85 |
| SL (symmetric) | ≈ SLE = SLU |