Because of the sail's rounded shape and colourful material, spinnakes resemble a parachute and therefore are often called a "chute". In Australia, they are often referred to as a "kite" because of the way they fly out in front of the boat.

Although some older spinnakers are of crosscut construction, most modern spinnakers use radial or tri-radial construction. Because the spinnaker is only attached to the boat at three corners, all the stress radiates into the sail at these points. With a tri-radial sail, the stress is along the seams instead of across them, making a stronger sail and minimizing stretch and distortion.

Spinnakers come in two styles – the symetrical spinnaker primarily used for more dead down-wind sailing and the asymetrical spinnaker which is used when reaching or broard reaching.

We offer a comprehensive range of options for all of our spinnakers including sail numbers, racing box bags and spinnaker socks.