A cruising gennaker is a free-flying, asymmetric spinnaker tacked to the bow or a bowsprit that adds easy downwind performance without needing a spinnaker pole. It is offered in reaching and running cuts and is most comfortable when paired with a furler or dousing sock for simple hoists and drops.
Cruising gennaker cuts at a glance
| Design | Type | Apparent Wind Angle (AWA) | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| G0 | Close reacher | 70–90° | Tighter reaching and light-air power |
| G1 | All purpose | 90–120° | Versatile everyday cruising angles |
| G2 | Runner | 110–140° | Deeper downwind and running |
What is a cruising gennaker?
A cruising gennaker is a stable, easy-to-fly asymmetric spinnaker tacked directly to the bow or to a bowsprit. Because it does not require a spinnaker pole, it lets cruisers add downwind performance and enjoyment with far less foredeck work than a traditional symmetric spinnaker. Most sailmakers offer three basic designs based on apparent wind angle: the G0 close reacher (70–90° AWA), the G1 all-purpose (90–120° AWA), and the G2 runner (110–140° AWA).
How does a cruising gennaker set up?
A cruising gennaker does not need extra hardware to fly. Two spinnaker sheets and one tack line are all you need to get set. Even so, we recommend a gennaker furler or a dousing sock for a more comfortable and easier hoist and drop, especially when short-handed. Because you are trying to avoid constant trimming, a good cruising gennaker should feature a wide steering groove — this matters even more when flying the sail under autopilot.
How do I gybe a cruising gennaker?
There are two ways to gybe a gennaker: inside and outside.
Inside gybe: Set the spinnaker sheets between the luff or tack of the sail and the headstay. As you begin turning the boat toward dead downwind, ease the sheet until the clew is roughly halfway between the mast and the bow. Continue turning while pulling the new sheet to bring the clew to leeward, trimming to your desired angle. This technique is most common on boats up to about 45 ft, or when the gennaker is set on a bowsprit.
Outside gybe: Leave the spinnaker sheet outside the luff; a tack batten helps keep the sheet from going under the boat when it is not loaded. As you turn downwind, keep easing the sheet until the clew passes the luff. Once the sail is flying like a flag in front of the boat, pull the new sheet as the boat turns into the desired angle. Don't overwork it — let the wind push the sail back. This method is most common on big boats or those with very large asymmetric spinnakers.
Which cruising gennaker should I choose?
Choose the cut that matches how you sail most. If you frequently sail tighter reaching angles in lighter air, a G0 close reacher extends your usable range upwind of a beam reach. If you want one sail that covers the widest set of angles, the G1 all-purpose is the natural choice for most cruisers. If your downwind legs are deep and you spend time running, the G2 runner is optimized for those lower angles. Whichever cut you pick, prioritize a wide steering groove and add a furler or sock so the sail is easy to deploy and stow.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a spinnaker pole for a cruising gennaker?
No. A cruising gennaker is tacked directly to the bow or a bowsprit and flies without a pole, which is a big part of what makes it easy for shorthanded crews.
What equipment does a cruising gennaker require?
Just two spinnaker sheets and one tack line to fly it. A gennaker furler or dousing sock is optional but strongly recommended for easier hoists and drops.
What do G0, G1, and G2 mean?
They describe the design by apparent wind angle: G0 is a close reacher (70–90° AWA), G1 is all-purpose (90–120° AWA), and G2 is a runner (110–140° AWA).
Should I gybe inside or outside?
Inside gybes suit boats up to about 45 ft or gennakers on a bowsprit, while outside gybes are more common on big boats and very large asymmetric spinnakers.
Why does the steering groove matter?
A wide steering groove lets the sail tolerate small course changes without constant trimming, which is especially valuable when sailing under autopilot.
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