Racing Spinnaker Codes

A is for Asymmetric

More curvature from the Luff leading to a straighter exit on the Leech.

Often flown from a bowsprit.

Two sheets on the Clew.

S is for Symmetric

Luff and Leach profiles are identical, so either can be the leading or trailing edge. Clew and Tack corners are the same. With a conventional Pole attached to the mast, the Tack can be pulled aft to increase the projected area on deep sailing angles.

Numbers

Bigger numbers are for bigger wind strengths.

Odd numbers and Code Zero are Reachers.

Even numbers and 1.5 are Runners.

Asymmetrics

Code Zero

For sailing tight reaches in light airs.

Deployed as a large reaching Genoa. Rates under IRC and YTC as a Spinnaker as the Mid Girth is more than 75% of the Foot. Gives a big speed advantage in light airs without a rating penalty.

Luff straighter, Mid Girth smaller, and Camber flatter than an A1.

Built in Nylon or very light weight low stretch Aramid Laminate.

Apparent Wind Angle 45 - 75

A1 Light Air Reacher

For VMG sailing in light airs.

Mid Girth more than a Code Zero and less than an A3.

Camber deeper than a Code Zero and flatter than an A3.

Built in light weight Nylon

Apparent Wind Angle 65 - 95

A1.5 Light Air Runner

For sailing deep angles in light airs

Mid girth less than an A2

Camber flatter than an A2

Built in light weight Nylon

Apparent Wind Angle 85 - 125

A2 All Purpose Runner

The most versatile and popular running asymmetric.

Widest range of deep sailing angles.

Long Luff, big mid girth, deep camber, and big shoulders.

Will rotate to windward to maximise projected area.

Built in mid weight Nylon

Apparent Wind Angle 95 - 140

A3 All Purpose Reacher

The most versatile and popular reaching asymmetric.

Widest range of high sailing angles.

Medium mid girth, medium camber, and medium shoulders.

Built in mid weight Nylon

Apparent Wind Angle 70 - 105

A4 Heavy Wind Runner

For sailing deep angles in big winds.

Smaller area than an A2.

Long Luff, big mid girth, deep camber, and big shoulders.

Often on a fractional halyard.

Will rotate to windward to maximise projected area.

Built in heavy weight Nylon

Apparent Wind Angle 105 - 150

A5 Heavy Wind Reacher

Versatile big wind asymmetric.

Smaller area and flatter camber than an A3.

Often on a fractional halyard.

Built in heavy weight Nylon

Apparent Wind Angle 75 - 115

Symmetrics

S1 Light Air Reacher

For VMG sailing in light airs

Easy to fill, slightly smaller area than S3

Built in light weight Nylon

Apparent Wind Angle 70 - 120

S1.5 Light Air Runner

For sailing deep angles in light airs.

Mid girth less than an S2.

Camber flatter than an S2.

Built in light weight Nylon

Apparent Wind Angle 85 - 125

S2 All Purpose Runner

The most versatile and popular symmetric of all.

Big shoulders, big mid girth, deep camber.

Built in mid weight Nylon

Apparent Wind Angle 100 - 150

S3 All Purpose Reacher

The most versatile and popular symmetric reacher.

Smaller shoulders, narrower mid girth, flatter entry, and flatter camber than S2.

Built in mid weight Nylon

Apparent Wind Angle 75 - 115

S4 Heavy Wind Runner

For running in big winds.

Smaller area than S2.

Often on a fractional halyard

Built in heavy weight Nylon

Apparent Wind Angle 115 - 165

S5 Heavy Wind Reacher

For reaching in big winds.

Small shoulders, narrower mid girth, flatter camber, and shorter luff than S3.

Often on a fractional halyard.

Built in heavy weight Nylon

Apparent Wind Angle 80 - 130