Downwind Sails for Cruising Sailors
A Complete Guide by UK Sailmakers
For cruising sailors, downwind sailing can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of their time on the water. The right downwind sail not only makes your sailing more pleasurable but also safer and more efficient. At UK Sailmakers, we understand that choosing the right downwind sail can seem overwhelming. This guide will help you understand your options and make the best choice for your sailing needs.
Understanding Downwind Sails
Downwind sails are designed to maximize your boat’s performance when sailing with the wind behind you (from 90 to 180 degrees apparent wind angle). Each type of downwind sail has its specific purpose and optimal wind range. These sails are essential for cruising sailors who want to maximize their boat’s performance and enjoy a smooth sailing experience, particularly in trade wind regions.
Choosing the Right Material
Before diving into specific sail types, it’s important to understand that UK Sailmakers offers various materials for downwind sails:
- Nylon: Lightweight, stretchy, and ideal for traditional spinnakers
- Polyester (Dacron): More stable than nylon, perfect for cruising genoas and code sails
- High-performance laminates: For specialized applications like Code Zeros
- Code Zero laminates: Offering durability with performance
- Specialized cruising laminates: Combining longevity with performance
Types of Downwind Sails
Genoas
The genoa is often your first choice for light downwind work, especially on a cruising boat. These large headsails extend past the mast and overlap the mainsail, making them particularly effective in light to moderate winds.
Key Features:
- Easy to handle with existing furling systems
- Requires no additional hardware
- Versatile across multiple wind angles
- Available in various overlap percentages (135%, 150%)
- Perfect for trade wind sailing
Optimal Use:
- Apparent wind angles: 35-155 degrees
- Wind speed: 5-25 knots
- Perfect for coastal cruising and long passages
Code Zero
The Code Zero has revolutionized downwind cruising, offering exceptional versatility and ease of handling. It’s a hybrid sail that combines features of both genoas and asymmetrical spinnakers.
Key Features:
- Furling capability with specialized furling systems
- Larger sail area than a genoa
- More efficient shape for reaching
- Modern anti-torsion cables for smooth furling
- High aspect ratio design
- Can be flown from a bowsprit or specialized furler
- Flatter sail profile compared to other downwind sails
Optimal Use:
- Apparent wind angles: 50-110 degrees
- Wind speed: 4-20 knots
- Particularly effective in light air
- Ideal for:
- Light air sailing
- Close reaching
- Modern cruising boats
- Multihulls (with appropriate sheeting angles)
Asymmetrical Spinnakers (Gennakers)
Asymmetrical spinnakers have become increasingly popular among cruising sailors due to their ease of use and efficiency, especially for shorthanded crews.
Types We Offer:
- Cruising Asymmetric (A2)
- All-purpose design
- Ideal for broad reaching
- Stable and easy to trim
- Running Asymmetric (A3)
- Designed for deeper angles
- Maximum projection
- Stable in moderate winds
Key Features:
- No spinnaker pole required
- Can be rigged with a sock for easy handling
- Available with snuffer systems
- Top-down furling options
- Suitable for a wide range of wind conditions
Optimal Use:
- True wind angles: 90-160 degrees
- Wind speed: 5-25 knots
- Perfect for:
- Family cruising
- Short-handed sailing
- Modern boat designs
- Coastal cruising
Symmetrical Spinnakers
The traditional symmetrical spinnaker remains an excellent choice for pure downwind sailing, especially on traditional cruising designs and in strong winds.
Key Features:
- Maximum sail area for running
- True symmetrical shape
- Available with handling systems
- Traditional and reliable
- Requires spinnaker pole for optimal performance
- Typically made from lightweight nylon fabrics
Optimal Use:
- Apparent wind angles: 90-180 degrees (especially effective directly downwind)
- Wind speed: 5-25 knots
- Best for:
- Traditional boat designs
- Pure downwind sailing
- Trade wind cruising
- Breezy conditions
Sail Handling Systems
At UK Sailmakers, we understand that ease of use is crucial for cruising sailors. We offer various handling systems to make your downwind sailing safer and more enjoyable:
Spinnaker Socks
- Easy deployment and retrieval
- Color-coded for foolproof operation
- Durable construction
- Available for both symmetrical and asymmetrical spinnakers
Furling Systems
- Top-down furlers for asymmetrical spinnakers
- Code Zero furling systems
- Anti-torsion cable options
- Specialized furling systems for various sail types
Snuffer Systems
- Simple and reliable
- Perfect for cruising couples
- Minimal hardware required
- Easy to operate in various conditions
Choosing the Right Sail for Your Needs
When helping our customers select the right downwind sail, we consider several factors:
- Typical Sailing Conditions
- Average wind speeds
- Common wind angles
- Sea state considerations
- Local weather patterns
- Crew Experience and Size
- Number of regular crew
- Handling experience
- Physical capabilities
- Short-handed sailing requirements
- Boat Characteristics
- Design type and age
- Available hardware
- Storage space
- Multihull or monohull considerations
- Sailing Goals
- Coastal cruising
- Ocean passages
- Weekend sailing
- Trade wind cruising
UK Sailmakers Advantage
Our expertise in downwind sails comes from decades of experience and continuous innovation. When you choose UK Sailmakers, you get:
- Personal Consultation: Our experts work with you to understand your specific needs
- Custom Design: Each sail is designed for your boat and sailing style
- Quality Construction: Using the latest materials and manufacturing techniques
- After-Sale Support: Ongoing service and support from our global network
- Warranty: Comprehensive warranty coverage
- Expert Advice: Guidance on optimal sail selection and usage
Maintenance and Care
To ensure long life and optimal performance of your downwind sails:
- Regular Inspection
- Check for chafe points
- Inspect seams and patches
- Verify hardware condition
- Monitor UV damage
- Proper Storage
- Keep sails dry before storing
- Use appropriate bags
- Store in clean, dry conditions
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure
- Professional Service
- Annual inspection recommended
- Professional repairs when needed
- Regular re-optimization if required
- Periodic cleaning as necessary
Safety Considerations
Safe downwind sailing requires:
- Proper Equipment: Having the right hardware and handling systems
- Weather Understanding: Knowing when to use each sail
- Crew Training: Ensuring everyone knows their role
- Regular Practice: Familiarizing crew with procedures
- Emergency Procedures: Having clear protocols for heavy weather
- Sail Selection: Choosing appropriate sails for conditions
Conclusion
Choosing the right downwind sail is crucial for enjoyable and safe cruising. At UK Sailmakers, we’re committed to helping you make the best choice for your sailing needs. Our range of downwind sails, combined with our expertise and support, ensures you’ll find the perfect solution for your cruising adventures.
Whether you’re planning extended ocean passages, coastal cruising, or weekend sailing, we have the right combination of sails and systems to enhance your downwind sailing experience. Our expert team understands the unique challenges of cruising and can help you select and optimize your sail inventory for maximum enjoyment and safety.
Contact your local UK Sailmakers loft today to discuss your downwind sail options. Our experts are ready to help you enhance your sailing experience with the perfect downwind sail package for your needs.