Racing Downwind Sails
Downwind sails are some of the most important tools in a racing inventory. They unlock power, control and versatility when sailing off the breeze, whether you’re hunting angles around the cans, or logging miles offshore. At Sanders Sails, we design and handcraft a complete range of asymmetric and symmetric spinnakers that are tuned to your boat, your race programme, and the conditions you want to win in. Built with precision in our Lymington loft, every Sanders downwind sail is optimised using advanced design software, premium cloths, and proven construction techniques. The result: sails that deliver maximum projected area, stable flying characteristics, and the durability to perform across the toughest regattas and passages.
Asymmetric Spinnakers
At Sanders, we design each asymmetric to match the needs of your programme, whether that’s a tight-reaching sail to work where Code sails are not present, or a fuller sail for deeper running angles. Options include:
A0 – Light Air Tight Reacher
The A0 is designed for very tight reaching angles in light winds. Sitting between a Code sail and a true spinnaker, it adds horsepower when a genoa alone won’t deliver the speed.
A1 – Light-Air Runner
The A1 is your go-to for VMG running in the lightest of breezes. Built from the lightest cloths, it delivers maximum projected area and drive when every puff counts.
A1.5 – Light-to-Medium All-Rounder
Bridging the gap between the A1 and A2, the A1.5 is a versatile option for coastal and offshore racing. Designed for slightly stronger winds than the A1, it holds shape and stability while still excelling in light-air running.
A2 – All-Purpose Runner
The workhorse of most inventories, the A2 is designed for medium-air downwind angles. With its generous area and fuller shape, it provides stable power for both inshore and offshore racing.
A flatter, stronger spinnaker designed for close to beam reaching in moderate conditions. The A3 provides control and balance when the angles tighten but you still want the horsepower of a kite.
A4 – Heavy-Air Runner
The A4 is built for downwind runs in fresh breeze. Using heavier cloth and reinforced shaping, it delivers confidence and stability in conditions where lighter spinnakers become overpowered.
A5 – Heavy-Air Reacher
Optimised for heavy-air reaching angles, the A5 is flatter and more robust than an A4. It allows crews to push harder at tight angles when the breeze is up, without sacrificing control.
Every asymmetric spinnaker is built with broad-seamed panels for precision shaping, reinforced corner patches, and tailored luff curves. Sanders finishes; including leech lines, custom colour options, and easy-to-pack valise launching bags, ensure your sail is both fast and functional.
Symmetric Spinnakers
S1 – Light-Air VMG Runner
Crafted for the lightest breezes, the S1 is optimised for Velocity Made Good (VMG) performance at lower wind speeds. Its ultra-light design and ample fullness propel the boat efficiently when the wind is too light for deeper sails – perfect for tight reach to run transitions in gentle conditions.
Best use: light wind VMG running
Key features: ultra-light, maximises projected area
S2 – All-Purpose Running Sail
The versatile S2 offers dependable ‘go-anywhere’ performance across a broad range of wind speeds. With generous shoulders and balanced volume, it flies cleanly away from rig turbulence and delivers stable drive from moderate waves to deeper downwind angles.
Best use: versatile running in moderate conditions
Key features: balanced shape, smooth fly away from rig
S3 – Medium-Air Reacher
For those races where angles tighten and precision matters, the S3 steps in. Shaped with a flatter profile than the S2, it draws closer to the wind while retaining critical load-bearing volume, offering a fine balance of speed and direction when you need to point higher.
Best use: tight-angle medium-air reaching
Key features: flatter profile for better pointing
S4 – Heavy-Air Running Workhorse
When the wind strengthens and conditions turn demanding, the S4 delivers. Built with sturdier cloth and reinforced construction, it retains stability and drive at deeper angles, allowing confident, fast running through heavier breezes.
Best use: heavy running in strong winds
Key features: heavier cloth, reinforced for power and stability
S5 – Heavy-Air Deep Reacher
The most robust in the range, the S5 is designed for high-speed performance in strong winds at reaching angles. Its flatter shape and high-strength fabric composition combine to provide control and power when conditions would overwhelm lighter spinnakers.
Best use: heavy-air reaching
Key features: flat, robust, designed for tight angles
HEADSAILS
Optimised for speed and height, our racing headsails offer a perfect blend of drive and balance, giving you the edge in every start and upwind leg.
CODE SAILS
Light, fast, and versatile, our racing code sails unlock top-end speed on reaching legs, keeping you ahead when it matters most.
MAINSAILS
Precision-shaped for maximum speed and performance, our racing mainsails deliver the power, control, and consistency needed to perform at the front of the fleet.
Want to find out more about our Performance Racing Sails? Get in touch with one of the Sanders experts!