A sail name is only shorthand. The useful specification also includes area, shape, luff system, reefing or furling method, structure, hardware and intended wind range.
Mainsails
Slab-reefing mainsail
The conventional hoisted main remains a versatile choice for cruising and performance sailing. Horizontal reef points reduce area while maintaining a controlled, low sail shape. It is easy to inspect, can use partial or full battens and can be paired with lazy jacks, a stack pack or mast cars to reduce handling effort.
Specify the number and depth of reefs, luff attachment, batten layout, leech control, foot arrangement and how the reef clews meet the boom. Offshore sailors often value a deep third reef; others prefer a dedicated trysail once conditions exceed the main’s practical range.
In-mast and in-boom furling
In-mast furling reduces sail-handling effort but makes reliable furling geometry essential. Vertical battens may regain roach area, while a conservative roach and stable cloth help the sail roll without wrinkles. In-boom systems can preserve a more conventional shape, but depend on correct boom angle, luff tension and well-maintained hardware.
For either system, quote the sail and mechanism as one interface. Ask what happens after a partial reef, how the sail is tensioned, and what recovery method exists if furling is interrupted.
Headsails
Furling genoa
A 110–135% furling genoa can give a cruiser broad coverage with few sail changes. Larger overlap improves light-air area but increases sheeting loads and can be cumbersome when tacking. A foam or rope luff pad helps preserve shape when partly furled; it does not turn one sail into a perfect replacement for several wind-specific headsails.
Working jib and staysail
A non-overlapping jib is easy to tack, controls heel and often suits modern wide-spreader rigs. An inner-forestay staysail provides a balanced, manageable option in stronger breeze and can keep the centre of effort near the mast. Confirm sheeting angles, track position, furler clearance and running-backstay requirements before ordering.
| Sail | Best role | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Genoa | Light-to-moderate upwind power | Overlap, visibility, furling shape |
| Working jib | Efficient tacking and fresh breeze | Correct sheeting angle |
| Staysail | Heavy-air balance and redundancy | Stay, runners and deck structure |
Reaching and downwind sails
Code sail
“Code 0” covers a wide family of flat, furling reaching sails. Some are intended for close reaching in light air; others are deeper and overlap with asymmetric spinnakers. Define target apparent wind angles and wind speeds before accepting the label. Also define torsion cable, furler type, luff tension and whether the rig and bowsprit can carry the expected loads.
Asymmetric spinnaker
An asymmetric is efficient for reaching and broad reaching, especially from a sprit. Cruising versions can be cut more conservatively and handled with a sock or top-down furler. Ask whether the quoted furler suits the sail’s luff structure and whether the sail must be fully unfurled before deployment.
Symmetrical spinnaker
A symmetrical spinnaker remains effective for deep downwind sailing, particularly on boats designed around a pole. It adds crew work: pole height, braces, guy loads and gybing method all belong in the operating plan. A racing inventory may carry several shapes for different apparent-wind ranges.
Storm and heavy-weather sails
A storm jib and trysail are not simply small everyday sails. They need high-visibility cloth where appropriate, heavy reinforcement, strong attachment systems and a practical setting method when the deck is wet and the primary sail system may be compromised. Check current event and regulatory requirements directly if the sail is for organised offshore racing.
- Storm jib can be set without relying on a failed furler
- Sheeting point and lead are proven under load
- Trysail track, halyard and sheeting arrangement are ready
- Sails are clearly labelled, accessible and periodically hoisted
Example inventories
Coastal cruising couple
Slab-reefing mainsail, 110–120% furling genoa, easy-handling asymmetric, and a storm jib. A staysail becomes valuable when the boat already has a suitable inner stay or regularly sails in stronger conditions.
Offshore performance cruiser
Reinforced performance main with deep reefs, working jib, furling reaching sail, asymmetric, staysail, storm jib and trysail. The aim is controlled crossover, redundancy and gear the watch crew can handle at night.
Club racer
Performance main, wind-range-specific headsails and downwind sails chosen around local courses. Before adding sail count, confirm that each addition closes a measurable speed or angle gap.
Reviewed 14 September 2026 · Australian terminology and conditions