Asymmetric spinnaker

code 0for cruising sailboats

The Code Zero is a cross between a genoa and an asymmetrical spinnaker that is used for sailing close to the wind in light air. Code Zero was initially an attempt to circumvent a rating rule by making a large genoa for close reaching on boats that were measured with non-overlapping genaos. The Code Zero got around the rule by measuring in as a very narrow-flat spinnaker with shape similar to a reaching geona. When not constrained by rating rules, cruising sailors have a lot more options on the size and shape of a "code" sail. UK Sailmakers offers two different Cruising Code sails depending on whether your boat has an overlapping genoa or a non-overlapping genoa. Many modern cruising boats come with large mainsails and non-overlapping jibs because that sail-plan is easier for couples to handle. The Code Zero for these boats can be used as soon as the the boat bears off from a beat. The sail is very flat and is designed for close reaching. It has a nearly straight luff, a mid girth about 60-65% of the sail's foot length. This sail is closer in shape to a traditional drifter than a spinnaker. Even though this sail is smaller than a Code Zero on a race boat, it is more than twice the size of the non-overlapping jib and gives much more power for close reaching. With a straight luff, the sail rolls up very well. The Berckemeyer 45 shown above has this type of Code Zero.