What is the purpose of a spinnaker pole?

A spinnaker pole is a spar used in sailboats (both dinghys and yachts) to help support and control a variety of headsails, particularly the spinnaker. However, it is also used with other sails, such as genoas and jibs, when sailing downwind with no spinnaker hoisted.

What is the spinnaker pole called?

The spinnaker is often called a kite, or a chute (as in cruising chute) because it somewhat resembles a parachute in both construction and appearance.

What is the difference between a spinnaker pole and a whisker pole?

Whisker poles are sized to match the size of the foot of the sail that they are working, while spinnaker poles are sized to match the distance from the mast to the bow, also known as the boat’s “J” dimension. Because of this, Whisker Poles tend to be significantly longer than spinnaker poles for the same boat.

Do you need a pole to fly a spinnaker?

Yes you can use a spinnaker without a pole. Practice with the wind gentle and set it dead down wind. It will fly fine.

Why is it called code zero sail?

The Code Zero is a cross between a genoa and an asymmetrical spinnaker that is used for sailing close to the wind in light air. Code Zero was initially an attempt to circumvent a rating rule by making a large genoa for close reaching on boats that were measured with non-overlapping genaos.

What is the difference between a jib and a spinnaker?

A jib or genoa is used for the headsail. Most sailors use additional sails for different conditions: the spinnaker (a common downwind sail), gennaker, code zero (for upwind use), and stormsail. Each sail has its own use. Want to go downwind fast?

What is the difference between a genoa and jib?

A jib is a foresail (headsail) that does not extend aft beyond the mast; a genoa, on the other hand, is larger and will overlap the mast and part of the mainsail. A jib sail is used for strong winds and is easy to handle, while the genoa is perfect for downwind sailing in light winds.

When can you fly a spinnaker?

On a light-to-medium day, some spinnakers can be carried to advantage when the apparent wind is well forward (as close as 55 to 60 degrees relative from the bow), but they could cause a broach and a bad weather helm at the same apparent wind angle in heavier air.