What is a spinnaker?

A spinnaker is a type of sail that is used on sailboats to sail downwind or with the wind coming from the side of the boat. It is typically made of lightweight fabric and is often brightly colored.

Spinnakers are usually larger and more specialized than other types of sails, such as the mainsail or jib. They are designed to catch the wind efficiently and propel the boat at greater speeds when sailing with the wind at an angle.

Spinnakers are popular in racing sailboats and are used during downwind legs of races to maximize speed. They require careful handling and trimming to ensure they are set up correctly and do not collapse or become tangled.

Spinnakers come in various shapes and sizes, including symmetrical spinnakers, which have a more traditional shape, and asymmetrical spinnakers, which are easier to handle and more versatile. They are attached to the boat with spinnaker poles or other hardware to keep them in the correct position while sailing.