Spinnaker sizing

You may be wondering « what size of asymmetrical spinnaker or symmetrical spinnaker do I need for my boat?” Or “can you tell me the dimensions of the cruising spinnaker I need based on my boat length or boat model?” Or “ is the size different if I choose an asymmetrical spinnaker or a symmetrical spinnaker? ».

These are all valid questions but what you need to figure out is the spinnaker luff length needed for a spinnaker that will fit your boat. We are here to help.

Even if you still have some summary spec sheet for your boat, it may only indicate an approximate spinnaker square footage, but not the specifics of the luff, leech, or foot for the spinnaker you need. Also the size information provided may not be adequate if you use a spinnaker sock or a furler, or if you have a sprit.

So let’s start:

1. Choosing the right luff length is key when sizing a spinnaker
2. If you have access to the boat
3. If you do not have access to the boat: Starter tool by boat brand
4. If you do not have access to the boat: Estimate the forestay length – the I and J approach
5. If you are using a sock / furler, or have a sprit…
6. For a custom or racing spinnaker
7. Contact us for spinnaker sizing advice

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1. Choosing the right luff length is key when sizing a spinnaker

A key dimension of a spinnaker is the spinnaker luff length. The luff of a spinnaker sized right will assume the intended curve while the sail is fully hoisted, with the tack reasonably close to the deck. If the spinnaker is too small, you will have to trim the luff too tight, or let the tack fly too high. If the spinnaker is too large / long in the luff, you will not be able to trim it enough for reaching / tight reaching.

2. If you have access to the boat

To figure out the right luff length, you need to figure out the length available as measured from the halyard block (technically the bearing surface of the tackle) down to the tack attachment point, (technically again, the bearing surface of the tack line shackle).

If you have access to the boat, just hoist a measuring tape on your spinnaker halyard; and measure down to the point where you will attach the block for the tack line of the spinnaker.

If you do not have a tape long enough that you could hoist and measure directly, just hoist a non-stretch rope on the spinnaker halyard, and mark it with the tack position. Then take the rope down and measure the rope on the ground between the end that was attached to the halyard and the point you marked.

* Here is a little tip: if you measure with a tape, attach a thin line to the spinnaker halyard along with the tape:  if the tape should break, the line will let you bring the halyard back down without having to climb the mast to get the halyard back….

Then simply plug it in our size table and find which standard spinnaker size could fit your boat. Access the table here (opens in a new tab). Please note that the conversion table will be specific to each sailmaker.

Deciding on the dimensions and size of your cruising spinnaker can also be specific to your navigation circumstances or preferences; check our spinnaker tips here.

3. Starter tool by boat brand

Spinnakers are not as “finicky” as flat sails for the purpose of fitting a particular boat (flat sails would be a main sail, a genoa or a jib); for spinnakers, there is often room for variations without any measurable negative consequence on sailing performance. This true for asymmetrical spinnakers or symmetrical spinnakers alike.

Hence a range of standard sizes covers most boats, which minimizes the cost of the spinnaker. We offer a starter tool by brand and boat model that allows you to find your boat and gives you a first idea of the spinnaker size that could fit your boat in our spinnaker product range.

Very important! Please note that if you use a sock or a furler, a standard size may or may not work. If you have a bowsprit or a modified rig, it is very likely that you will need a custom size spinnaker. Always check with us.

Once you find your boat model and the size we recommend in our range, follow the link to the detailed dimensions page, and to the spinnaker store. Just know that we will always check these with you before placing your order with the factory.

4. start from the estimated forestay length – the I and J approach

As explained before, you need to figure out the length available as measured from the halyard block (technically the bearing surface of the tackle) down to the tack attachment point, (technically again, the bearing surface of the tack line shackle) to figure out the right luff length for your spinnaker.

One can start from the estimated forestay length which can be calculated from the I and the J of your boat. (we do not like to start from the luff only and make adjustments based on various formulas, this is too vague).

Please note that I (or ISP) and J are very specific to your boat model and its rig.

This approach will work as long as you set it on the bow (not on a sprit) and your foretriangle has somewhat standard proportions (ie for most boats of recent design). This is true whether you are looking at an asymmetrical spinnaker or a symmetrical spinnaker. If you plan on using a sprit or have special equipment, then you will need to measure on your boat (see point 4 below on this page).

We do have this information for many boats so contact us first. A good database can also be found on sailboatdata.com. You will usually find the I and the J in the detailed specs in your owner’s manual as well.

Then use the formula below (sailboatdata.com gives you this number for many boats)

• Estimated forestay length = √(I2+J2) (read square root of (I square + J square)). (Thanks Pythagoras!)

Once you have the correct estimated forestay length, check our conversion table and find which size will fit your boat in our standard spinnaker size range. Access the table here (opens in separate tab)

Please note that the conversion table will be specific to each sail maker.

5. Sizing when using a spinnaker sleeve, a furler, or with a sprit

We said earlier that the important number is the length available between the spinnaker halyard when fully hoisted and the tack. If you use a spinnaker sock, a furler, or a sprit, these come into play in the calculation as there will be “less” or “more” space available to fit your spinnaker. Depending on your boat, you may need a smaller standard size or a custom size (usually for sprits).

A couple of things to keep in mind:

• if you are going to use a sock, the head of the sail will be shackled  to the bottom of the sock built-in cable/swivel hardware, rather than to the halyard shackle  – the length of this cable needs to be deducted from the forestay length. We can calculate this for you.
• if you are planning to use a top down furler, you need similarly to deduct from the estimated forestay length the length of the bottom and top fixtures to which the spinnaker will be mounted.
• if the spinnaker is set on a bow sprit, rather than at the bow, you need to add to the estimated forestay length, because you will need to be able to bring the tack tight down to the end of the bow sprit (you can not do that if the tack is at the bow, because this would cause too much wear and tear against the pulpit).

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6. sizing a custom or racing spinnaker

For modified rigs, for modern catamaran masts set way back on the boat, for bowsprits, or for racing programs, we will likely design a custom spinnaker if necessary. We will need at minimum the I and J to design a custom size / shape spinnaker. Ideally, we will want to measure: 

1. how far are the spinnaker sheet lead blocks from the tack of the sail (for an asymmetric) ; or from the bow (for a symmetric)
2. how far from the boat media axis are the sheet lead blocks

Use the contact form below for more information.

7. contact us for spinnaker sizing advice