Our customers are amazing! From all over the world, they bring us real life sailing stories and downwind experiences we enjoy sharing.
Sailors usually choose a downwind sail (a pre-designed or custom designed asymmetrical spinnaker or symmetrical spinnaker, or a custom Code Zero sail) to improve sailing performance, especially in light to medium wind.
Introduction: What Is The Best Downwind sail ?
Downwind sail setups chosen by our customers as illustrated below typically include:
- Asymmetrical spinnakers with a sock or a top down Seldén furler, ideal for short handed cruising. The asymmetrical spinnaker is a popular choice especially for cruisers who are fairly new at sailing under a spinnaker sail, or sail short handed.
- Symmetric spinnakers with a pole. A symmetrical spinnaker is more complex to maneuver but very efficient for straight downwind sailing.
- Code Zero sails with a regular Seldén furler. You can opt for a Cruising Code Zero (very close to spinnaker) or a Performance Code Zero to target more specific wind angles.
Each example features a real asymmetric spinnaker, symmetrical spinnaker or Code Zero sail designed for one of our customers.
You can browse real customer projects with photos, sail details, sailing conditions and performance notes.
👉 Looking for a spinnaker size? Contact us.
For a Code zero or a Seldén furler, contact us.
View many more customer projects pictures here!
Beneteau Oceanis 51.1
San Diego Coast, USA
Asymmetric Spinnaker
Sail size: 176sqm / 1894 sqft
Luff length: 20.4m / 66.9 ft
Use: cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device; Seldén GX 25 top down furler
Set up: outside pulpit
Sailing location: off the San Diego coast, around all nine of the Channel Islands (20-56 miles) off CA.
“I used the spinnaker in five-knot winds, propelling my boat at four knots while maintaining a 135-degree angle to the wind. In stronger winds of twelve knots, the asymmetrical achieved a sailing speed of eight and a half knots.
“I cannot express enough positive remarks about iSpinnakers!”
Photo credit: Doug M.
Beneteau Oceanis 34
S/V Dreamweaver, Australia
Symmetric Spinnaker with logo
Sail size: 82 sqm / 882 sqft
Leech length: 12.6m / 41.3ft
Use: performance cruising and racing
Sail cloth: Contender Nylite
Retrieval device: sock
Sailing location: moored in Kilaben Bay, ocean sailing, Australia
“I’ve been racing in Australia off and on since 2012.
We have been cruising in the Whitsundays and Sail Port Stephens regatta. On the photo, we are passing another competitor. About 1 minute earlier we had him covering our spinnaker until we got some clear air as we pushed him to windward.”
Photo credit; Graham H.
Jeanneau SO 45DS
S/V Viviravela, Spain
Asymmetric spinnaker, with logo
Sail size: 119 sqm / 1280 sqft
Luff length: 16.4m / 54 ft
Use: Cruising the Mediterranean
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: sock
Sailing location: Mediterranean
Sergi and Raquel , as they say, are not a conventional family! They like to move, to change.
Right now, they are sailing around the south of France, Sardinia, Italy, Croatia, Greece ,…
They invite their customers to treat themselves to a few wonderful sailing days onboard Viviravela. Take a few days off and disconnect from the routine! Viviravela site
“We love the sails, they said!
Photo credit: Viviravela
Nordic 44
S/V Simplicity, USA
Asymmetric Spinnaker
Sail size: 148 sqm / 1980 sqft
Luff length: 18.4m / 57 ft
Use: cruising, transpac
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite;
Retrieval device: spinnaker sock
Sailing location: Transpac, start in Mexico
“We are on an 88 mile passage from Tahuata Island (Baie Hanatefau) anchorage. The snorkeling was really cool in the anchorage and we even saw 3 octopus. Our sail started out slow as we got caught in the lee of Hiva Oa for a few miles. We flew our spinnaker in 6-10 knots of wind at 70-120 degree apparent wind for 30 miles until dark. We then brought out the working sails for the last 20 miles with 10-15 knots of wind at 90 degrees true. All in all a great sail.”
Photo credit: Chris E.
Farrier 32 trimaran
USA
Asymmetric Spinnaker
Sail size: 95 sqm / 1011 sqft
Luff length: 14.6m / 47.9ft
Use: performance cruising and racing
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: no device
Sailing location: WA, West coast, USA
“I am quite pleased with this spinnaker…the first time we flew it, we hit 16 knots, and in this video we’re sailing at 11kts in 12kts of wind.
We had a good race today…downwind from Port Townsend to Seattle. Wind speed 10 kts gusting to 13, boat speed above 10 kts most of the race. Once we get it set on a jibe, we don’t even trim. We just sail to AWA. It’s very happy from 90 apparent up to 115, but we usually head up to 90, wait for launch, and then when the boat is doing 12-14 kts we head down and ride out the gust. Then repeat :-)”
Photo credit: William Q.
Lagoon 46 catamaran
S/V Sea Dreamer, Australia
Symmetric spinnaker
Sail size: 160 sqm / 1722 sqft
Leech length: 17.8m / 58.3ft
Use: performance cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: sock
Sailing location: Europe and Caribbean
“I’ve crossed to the Carribean in January from Cartagena. Sail handled beautifully, a challenge to get down but more from inexperience than anything else”
Photo credit: John G.
Beneteau oceanis 473
S/V Wonderland, Australia
Asymmetric spinnaker
Sail size: 106 sqm / 1141 sqft
Luff length: 15.5m / 50.9 ft
Use: cruising and racing
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: sock
Sailing location: Australia
Ms Connor, owner of Wonderland, is an owner/skipper who raced in Australia.
Photo credit: Wonderland
Jeanneau SO 349
Ireland
Asymmetric spinnaker
Sail size: 95 sqm / 1011 sqft
Luff length: 14.6m / 47.9 ft
Use: cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: Seldén GX10 top down furler
Sailing location: Europe
“All is well, it’s worked out really well so far. “
Photo credit: Kieran N.
Regina 38
S/V Alaska Sailing, USA
Asymmetric spinnaker
Sail size:119 sqm / 1280 sqft
Luff length: 16.4m / 54 ft
Use: cruising and racing
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: none
Sailing location: Alaska, and USA
“I had a hard time deciding between an asymmetrical and symmetrical. My main use of the sail is in light air during the Spirit of Admiralty Race every June. When not with my race crew the asym will be great but I sure do like sailing the pole when I have a foredeck!
In the end, I chose the asymmetrical, and it is spectacular. The fleet we race against could not believe how big it carried. It sure helped our time in downwind and light wind conditions. We were even racing at 2:15 am in June.”
Photo credit: Alaska Sailing
Samoa 47
S/V Ikigai, Netherlands
Asymmetric spinnaker
Sail size: 148 sqm / 1593 sqft
Luff length: 18.4m / 60.4 ft
Use: racing, cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: sock
Sailing location: Mediterranean, transatlantic
Raced ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) in 2023, from Gran Canaria to St Lucia
“We loved your Gennaker and we used it mostly during our voyage from sint Maarten to the Bahamas and our travel at the east coast from Florida to New York.”
Photo credit: Bastiaan B.
Beneteau Oceanis 390
France
Sail Type: Asymmetrical spinnaker
Sail size: 106 sqm / 1141 sqft
Luff length: 15.5m / 50.9 ft
Use: Cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: Top down furler, Seldén GX 15
Set up: outside pulpit
Sailing location: Mediterranean
“The advice is top-notch. True professionals. Impeccable after-sales service.”
Photo credit: JP. R.
Beneteau Oceanis 331
S/V: Dream, USA
Sail Type: Asymmetrical spinnaker
Sail size: 74 sq m / 796 sq ft
Luff length: 13.1m / 43 ft
Use: cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: Sock
Sailing location: Atlantic, East Coast
“We decided to go with tying the sheets so they run outside the forestay. It’s easier to just let the sail go when jibing (as long as your sheet lines are long enough), and the pull in on the leeward side when coming through.
We love the sail and look forward to any opportunity to use it.”
Photo credit: John N.
TS 42 catamaran
S/V Tomahawk ,France
Sail Type: Asymmetrical A4 spinnaker, (heavy wind runner)
Sail size: 145 sqm / 1141 sqft
Luff length: 17.7m / 58 ft
Use: Cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: sock
Sailing location: transat and transpac
“We are sailing towards the Galapagos islands under spinnaker, the spinnaker works great”.
“Just arrived in the Marquises Islands; we enjoyed the spinnaker which worked perfectly”
Photo Credit: JP. L..
Pearson 37
S/V Gringo, USA
Asymmetric spinnaker
Sail size: 106 sqm / 1141 sqft
Luff length: 15.5m / 50.9 ft
Use: cruising and racing (Vineyard race)
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: none
Sailing location: East coast, based in CT
“Just back from a 2+ week cruise of the southern New England coast. Your sail pulled like a team of Clydesdales and was easy to handle. I could not be more satisfied! Even had a chance to pole out the chute when running deeper to get into Newport. Easy up, easy down and good wind range – what more could you ask for!
Thanks again for the great service and a great sail.”
Photo credit: Michael M.
Catalina 355
S/V Morning Glory, USA
Asymmetric spinnaker
Sail size: 106 sqm / 1141 sqft
Luff length: 15.5m / 50.9 ft
Use: racing, cruising and racing
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: furler
Sailing location: East coast, USA
I want to thank you for the beautiful spinnaker you made for my 2022 Catalina 355 #168 “Morning Glory”. The attached pictures were taken during our annual 26nm Ocean Challenge Race from St. Simons Island, GA to Amelia Island, FL on October 7th. We unfurled the spinnaker for the first time just after the start of the downwind race, with most of the winds which ranged from 4kts to an average of 12kts, and gusts to 20kts and apparent wind angle ranging from 85-125 degrees. The sail performed flawlessly and even better when we raised the tack a couple of feet.
Thank you again and I will not hesitate to recommend you to my sailing friends.”
Photo credit: Norm W.
Beneteau Oceanis 44cc
France
Sail Type: Asymmetrical spinnaker
Sail size: 118 sqm / 1270 sqft
Luff: 16.4m / 53.8ft
Use: Cruising, transat
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: sock
Sailing location:moored in Spain, sails Mediterranean, transat.
“Corsica, Balearic Islands are on the regular schedule. Crossed the Transatlantic ocean through Cape Verde.
I sail with the spinnaker as much as possible, even at night. I use the asymmetrical spinnaker with a pole proxy a symmetrical spinnaker…Overall, I sail under spi about two thirds of the time…Love it.”
Photo credit: Didier B.
GD Boote Novara
S/V: Lumme, France
Sail Type: Asymmetrical spinnaker
Sail size: 57sq m / 613 sq ft
Luff: 11.5m / 37.7ft
Use: cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Nylite
Retrieval device: Sock
Sailing location: French Atlantic coast
“We love the sail!”
Photo credit: Benoit H.
Jeanneau SO 45.1
S/V Landfall, USA
Sail Type: Asymmetrical spinnaker
Sail size: 122 sqm / 1313 sqft
Luff: 16.8m / 55.1ft
Use: Cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: sock
Sailing location: CA, Mexico
“I’ve been sailing in Mexico the last couple a months. Been using your ASO a lot and even entered a few local races.”
Photo credit: John C.
Dufour 365
France
Asymmetric spinnaker
Sail size: 75 sqm / 807 sqft
Luff length: 13.1m / 43 ft
Use: cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: none
Sailing location: Mediterranean
“We are lucky to sail all year. The sail is perfect for the boat”
Photo credit: C. L.
Southerly 135
Ireland
Asymmetric spinnaker
Sail size: 118 sqm / 1270 sqft
Luff: 16.4m / 53.8ft
Use: cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: sock
Sailing location: Ireland coast
“A few photos attached of the asymmetric flying off Mizen Head in Ireland ( SW corner of Ireland, near the Fastnet lighthouse).
The summer was better than usual in Ireland so a lot of light winds and the assymetric got good use!.”
Photo credit: Noel O.B
X79
S/V Unexpected, Belgium
Sail Type: Asymmetrical spinnaker
Sail size: 37 sqm / 398 sqft
Luff: 9.4m / 30.8ft
Use: Cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Nylite
Retrieval device: no device
Sailing location: Atlantic, Belgium
“It’s been three years since I bought an asymmetric spinnaker from iSails / iSpinnakers. My boat, an X-79, has a fractional rig with a large mainsail and a relatively modest foretriangle. When sailing downwind or on a reach—especially with a #3 genoa (110%)—you quickly notice that the boat can handle more power. That’s where the asymmetrical spinnaker does its job, even in just 4 knots of wind. The cut is moderate—not comparable to huge racing spinnakers—but that makes it easy to handle and versatile. We use it without a snuffer; that doesn’t seem necessary for a spinnaker of this size.
Colors, size, and cut match the simulations shown before production exactly. I am very happy with the service provided by iSpinnakers!”.
Photo credit: Kevin S .
X382
S/V Caracol, France
Sail Type: Symmetrical spinnaker
Sail size: 116sq m / 1108 sq ft
Luff: 15m / 49.2ft
Use: cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: Sock
Sailing location: French Atlantic coast
“The sail works great! We are just back from sailing the Azores”
Photo credit: Jean Luc T.
Oyster 54
S/V Once, USA
Sail Type: Asymmetrical spinnaker with logo
Sail size: 204 sqm / 2195 sqft
Luff: 21.5m / 70.5ft
Use: Cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: sock
Sailing location: Mediterranean (Puerto Rico, Vurgin Islands, …)
“8.5knts on 12 true. Great”
Photo credit: Steven S.
Moody 44
S/V Happy, USA
Asymmetric spinnaker
Sail size: 165 sqm / 1775 sqft
Luff length: 19.4m / 63.6 ft
Use: cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: none
Sailing location: West Coast
“Great sail.”
Photo credit: Brian C.
Catalina 36MKII
S/V Dream Weaver, Canada
Asymmetric spinnaker
Sail size: 95 sqm / 1011sqft
Luff length: 14.6m / 50.9 ft
Use: cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: sock
Sailing location: Canadian lakes
“We used the spinnaker in all sorts of weather conditions, we are very pleased with it..”
Photo credit: Louis LF.
Beneteau Oceanis 34
S/V Dreamweaver, Australia
Asymmetric Spinnaker with custom colors
Sail size: 74 sqm / 796 sqft
Luff length: 13m / 43ft
Use: performance cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: spinnaker sock
Sailing location: moored in Kilaben Bay, ocean sailing, Australia
“Until a few years ago, I didn’t have enough crew to sail with a spinnaker. Things have changed!
With the new asym, we first managed several gybes and did a few take downs and re-deployments just for practice. Our confidence got better and better as the afternoon sea breeze kicked in for some real off the beam reaches in moderate easterlies.”
Photo credit: Graham H.
Catalina 36 MKI
S/V: Malibu 2
Sail Type: Asymmetrical spinnaker
Sail size: 83 sqm / 893 sq ft
Luff: 13.8m / 45.3ft
Use: cruising
Sail cloth: Contender Maxilite
Retrieval device: Sock
Sailing location: Atlantic, East Coast
“ We have been bringing back to life our 1987 Catalina 36 here in New Orleans. The spinnaker is a great addition for our cruising trips to Florida. I am enjoying the spinnaker very much. Using the snuffer makes it so easy…
Thank you for all of your help.”
Photo credit: Kenneth B.