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Symmetrical Spinnakers: S5 Heavy Air Spinnaker

AWA 90-175°

AWS 20-35 kts

Mid Girth 85-90% of foot

Shortened Hoist

Heavy cloth

S5’s are an ocean racing sail that is also called a “Storm Spinnaker or Chicken Chute” because of their small size. The sail has no shoulders and has an all-purpose shape geared more to running than reaching since most boats would heel out of control with the wind on the beam in such high winds. It is truly bulletproof, usually made out of 2.2 oz. nylon. On a fractionally rigged boat with masthead spinnakers, the A5 is designed to fly from the hounds (the sheave just above the forestay). This makes the sail shorter on the luff, foot length and width.

UKSailmakersBearOfBritainA5andA4Spinnakers — The Farr 52 BEAR OF BRITAIN blasts downwind under full canvas with impressive speed. **Left** is her S5, which is fractional and **Right** is her A4, which is full-sized.

Spinnaker Painting Program

Use this program to create a custom look for your new spinnaker or cruising spinnaker. Click here to go to the Spinnaker Painting Program.