How to Rig an Asymmetrical Sail

An asymmetrical sail is a triangular shaped light sail used on sailboats, catamarans and racing yachts to give the boat more speed in light wind. A sailboat normally carries two sails. An asymmetrical sail, also known as a spinnaker, is placed on the bow of the boat in front of the main sail.

Things You'll Need

  • Spinnaker
  • 2 sheets
  • Spinnaker chute
  • Sailboat or catamaran
  • Halyard
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position the boat to sail on a broad reach. The wind will be coming over the stern of the boat and the point of sail is at 120 degrees.

    • 2

      Place the asymmetric spinnaker on deck. It is in a bag or chute and ready to be pulled out from the top opening.

    • 3

      Attach the halyard line to the top of the sail. The halyard is the line that raises the sail and is attached to the mast.

    • 4

      Attach sheets to the clews on the sail. The sheets are the two lines used to move the sail from port to starboard. Clews are the lower edges of the sail, in the corners. There is a hole in the sail with a round, metal ring large enough to put a line through.

    • 5

      Hoist the sail using the halyard line.

    • 6

      Pull it all the way out of the chute. The wind will fill the sail but keep a slight bow in it.

    • 7

      Adjust the sail by pulling in on the sheet, either the port or starboard one, depending on which direction the helmsman is steering the boat.