If you want to get to leeward faster than with the Genunach leeward hanging limply behind the mainsail, you can use the Gennaker, Code Zero or Spi. Depending on the type of sail, additional equipment is required for this.
Which fittings are necessary for gennaker sailing
Gennakers are the most frugal. Apart from a fastening option for the neck line, a halyard that comes out of the mast above the forestay fitting, and two deflection blocks for the sheets, no further hardware is required. But even at the turning point, opinions differ. Should it be as far in front of the forestay as possible, or is a block on a well-fixed anchor enough? Both will work, but the set-up has an impact on the maneuver sequence when jibing. In addition: Which retrofit solutions are available for trunk or nose, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the systems and what should be considered when guiding the sheet.
Anyone who has gennaker equipment can set a code zero with little effort. Strictly speaking, this sail is made for upwind courses. It accelerates light performance cruisers strongly, especially in low winds. As a result, the apparent wind falls significantly earlier, and the corridor becomes a close-hauled course. In order to set the lull turbo, almost the same hardware equipment is required as for the gennaker, with one difference: so that the sail driven on the flying stay retains its shape higher up in the wind and delivers the desired propulsion, the luff must be enforced significantly more. A case with 2: 1 reduction is therefore almost mandatory
Spinnaker sailing is still considered the supreme discipline on the way to leeward. However, some additional investments have to be made at the time of purchase. In addition to the sail, a spinnaker boom with toppnant and vang plus appropriate mast attachment is required, as well as barber haulers for the sheets or additional stern haulers, and finally the boom has to be stored somewhere.