DOWNWIND SAILS
"I've been a Banks Sails happy customer for more than 9 years on my Solaris 64. The cableless dyneema CODE 0 is my best cruising friend to cover many miles a day and drove Anka to be the fastest boat at Solaris cup!"
Banks Sails’ spinnaker development originates from the '60, with the invention of the Starcut spinnaker. The Starcut introduced a radial panel layout that maintained draft and luff stability under load, a major step forward from cross-cut construction. Something never was done before.
Every Banks racing spinnaker is individually designed to match your boat, your rating, and your goals on the course. Each sail is optimized for class rules and performance, built to deliver measurable results where it matters most: on the finish line.
We’ve earned a reputation for building some of the fastest spinnakers on the water, and we’re proud of it. That speed comes from precision design, advanced materials, and years and years of "on the water" experience pushing our designs to the limit.
Because no single spinnaker can dominate every condition, we design and advise on a complete inventory mix to give you the right sail for every angle and wind strength. From light-air runners to high-speed reachers, Banks Sails provides the precision and balance you and your boat demands.
A-symmetrical Spinnakers
A1
For sailing in upwind to close-reaching angles during very light conditions. It typically carries a 85-90% mid-girth, giving it a relatively flat and narrow profile compared to deeper running sails.
The flatter shape and controlled twist make it the go-to sail when apparent wind is forward and conditions are unstable, giving consistent drive when heavier spinnakers or Code sails would struggle to hold shape.
A1.5
The A1.5 is a more hybrid sail that uses apparent wind to create boat speed. Compared to the A1, the A1.5 has a longer luff to give it better projection in light air, as well as narrower shoulders than the A2 for better reaching performance. Both variations are great for light air venues.
A2
The A2 is the powerhouse downwind spinnaker, designed for maximum projection and drive in light to medium air running conditions. It carries the largest mid-girth - typically 100%+ of the foot length - giving it a deep, powerful shape that generates lift even at broad angles.
The A2 fills easily and remains stable when sailing deep, typically between 120° and 155° AWA. The sail’s deep draft and smooth entry provide constant pressure and forward pull, making it the most frequently used and most forgiving spinnaker in a racing inventory. This is a real "Yihaa" spinnaker!
A3
The A3 is designed as a reaching sail for AWA typically between ~70° and ~120°, depending on rig geometry and target performance. Compared to an A2, the A3 has reduced projected area and a flatter mid-section, improving stability and trim control as the apparent wind moves forward.
The sail generally uses a moderate luff round and controlled leech profile to maintain flow attachment and reduce stall in variable pressure. The A3 is a must-have sail for any boat doing coastal or offshore racing.
A4
The power runner! This is the smaller, tougher sibling of the A2. Made for running deep in real wind, with maximum rotation and enough stability to keep the boat from flailing around like a startled seagull. If you race in places where “fresh breeze” turns into “this is going to break something,” an A4 isn’t optional. It belongs in your wardrobe.
A5
The A5 is the sail you hoist when the breeze has stopped being cute.. Short on its luff and width, relatively flat, making it a much more controllable sail in heavy winds where your A3 is just a bit to much.
AP
The All-Purpose Cruising spinnaker is a versatile asymmetric spinnaker designed to deliver balanced performance across a wide range of wind angles and conditions. It carries a mid-girth around 90–95% of the foot length, offering a blend of power and control for both reaching and running.
Symmetrical Spinnakers
S1
This is the sail you pull out when the wind can’t decide whether it actually exists. The S1 holds shape without collapsing every five seconds. It is built light, responsive, and ridiculously easy to keep drawing in the marginal stuff. It’s your go-to for tight reaching angles and those painfully slow "downwind legs" where everyone on board is pretending to stay patient.
Cloth weights are selected at the lighter end of spinnaker material ranges.
S2
This is the primary symmetric kite you end up using more than anything else. The S2 carries a stable, full shape that stays honest across the entire moderate-breeze range. It rotates well, doesn’t twitch itself to death, and gives you real drive down low. If you go for only one symmetric spinnaker, make it this one.
Cloth selection and panel configuration are optimized for repeated hoists and extended downwind legs, making the S2 suitable for both coastal distance courses and offshore racing where durability and shape retention are required.
S3
The S3 is a reaching spinnaker designed for TWA ~130° to ~160°. Compared to the S2, the S3 typically features slightly reduced overall depth and more controlled shoulder volume to maintain shape integrity when loaded.
Cloth weights and reinforcement layouts are selected to withstand elevated sheet and guy loads during sustained downwind pressure and repeated maneuvers. The leech and luff profiles aim to minimize inversion tendency while retaining enough draft to provide usable driving force without requiring excessive trim correction.
S4
The S4 is a very heavy-air running spinnaker intended for apparent wind angles from ~120° to dead downwind when true wind speeds are beyond the working range of the S3. It uses a reduced projected area and a flatter overall profile to maintain control and shape stability under high dynamic load.
Cloth weights are typically on the upper end of spinnaker specifications, with reinforcement concentrated at high-load points to handle sustained compression at the pole, sheet loads, and shock input from sea state.
AP
Cruise smoother, safer, and more efficiently with the Spinnaker AP: a next-generation smart autopilot built for sailors who want precise steering without the constant tweaking humans seem addicted to.
Designed for offshore reliability, Spinnaker AP combines wind-adaptive steering with intuitive course control to keep the boat balanced and on track in shifting conditions. It learns your sailing style, then refines helm inputs to reduce drag, limit sail wear, and deliver a steadier, quieter ride.
With seamless integration into modern navigation systems, real-time performance analytics, and a clean, user-friendly interface, Spinnaker AP turns passagemaking, weekend cruising, and downwind runs into confident, hands-free sailing.
Code Sails
Code 55
For sailing in upwind to close-reaching angles during very light conditions. It typically carries a 85-90% mid-girth, giving it a relatively flat and narrow profile compared to deeper running sails.
The flatter shape and controlled twist make it the go-to sail when apparent wind is forward and conditions are unstable, giving consistent drive when heavier spinnakers or Code sails would struggle to hold shape.
Material: available either in traditional paneled construction (radial or cross cut laminate) or in MEMBRANE.
TWS: ~4 to 12kn.
AWA: 40° to 100°.
Code 65
Power and precision for Reaching. The Code 65, free-flying reaching sail with a wider range of angles compared to the Code 55. On furler with anti-twist luff rope they are the ideal reaching sail for short-handed sailing!
Crafted from high-performance, durable fabrics, the Code 65 holds its shape under load, provides smooth airflow, and enhances pointing ability. Perfect for racing or fast cruising, it offers responsive handling, improved stability, and consistent speed—even when the wind picks up.
Material: available either in traditional paneled construction (radial or cross cut laminate) or in MEMBRANE.
Use: Reaching. TWS: ~4 to ~14kn.
AWA: ~60° to ~120°.
Code 75
Carries a mid-girth of around 75% of the foot length, allowing it to qualify as a spinnaker under racing rules (when minimum mid-girth rules still applicable) while maintaining a flat, efficient aerodynamic shape for reaching angles. Take advantage of every breeze with the Code 0.75.
It’s a versatile sail designed for light to moderate winds, giving you extra power and speed on reaching and broad-reaching courses. Larger than a standard Code 0, the Code 0.75 provides increased sail area without sacrificing control, helping your boat maintain momentum when other sails start to under-perform. Made from lightweight, high-performance materials, it holds its shape, generates smooth airflow, and delivers consistent drive across a wide wind range. Ideal for racing, coastal cruising, or offshore passages, the Code 0.75 combines easy handling with maximum efficiency, letting you sail faster, smarter, and more confidently.
Material: available either in traditional paneled construction (radial or cross cut laminate), in MEMBRANE or REVolution.
Use: Tight Reaching. TWS: ~5 to ~18kn.
AWA: ~45° to ~100°.
Specials
Spinnaker Staysail
Elevate your downwind performance with a spinnaker staysail, the perfect companion to your kite in heavy or challenging conditions. Designed to add drive without overpowering the boat, this staysail stabilizes your sail plan, improves airflow, and keeps your spinnaker trimmed efficiently even in strong wind.
Whether you’re racing offshore, tackling gusty seas, or optimizing your downwind angle, the spinnaker staysail enhances balance, reduces rolling, and delivers smoother, more controlled speed. It’s the ideal tool for sailors who want maximum performance while maintaining safety and confidence in all conditions.
Material: available either in traditional paneled construction (radial or cross cut laminate), in MEMBRANE or REVolution.
TWS: from 8+kn.
Material: available either in traditional paneled construction (radial or cross cut laminate) or in MEMBRANE.
Jib Top
Perfect for racing or fast cruising, the Jib Top increases speed, improves balance, and lets you harness every breath of wind.
More sail area. More speed. More advantage when the breeze is light.
The Flying Jib Top is set flying and can be used together with a genoa staysail or your standard jib. This combination keeps the boat balanced and moving efficiently when the breeze increases or the angle tightens.
The result: a smoother ride, less load on the helm, and more usable power across changing conditions.
Material: available either in traditional paneled construction (radial or cross cut laminate), in MEMBRANE or REVolution.
Use: Reacher. TWS: from 15 – 25kn.
TWA: ~50° a ~115°.
Jib Staysail
Take your boat’s power and balance to the next level with a jib staysail—your secret weapon for speed on reaches and stability in stronger breeze. Designed to work in harmony with your jib , this inner staysail boosts airflow, increases drive, and delivers a smoother, more efficient ride when you need it most.
On fast reaches, the staysail acts as a dynamic slot enhancer, adding controlled power without overpowering the helm. In heavy air or offshore conditions, it transforms your sail plan into a stable, reliable setup that keeps the boat tracking cleanly and confidently through the waves.
Whether you’re chasing podium finishes or maximizing comfort on long passages, a genoa staysail gives you the versatility, control, and extra push that makes every mile faster and more enjoyable.
More lift. More balance. More speed—right when it counts.
Material: available either in traditional paneled construction (radial or cross cut laminate), in MEMBRANE or REVolution.
Use: Upwind. TWS: over 18 kn.
TWA: AWA 40° to 100°.