Asymmetrics function well at relatively high angles, but could they be pushed further? So, naturally, creative minds wondered if it was possible to make an asymmetric spinnaker that could sail upwind, or at least nearly upwind. Whitbread rules didn’t allow masthead genoas but permitted masthead asymmetric spinnakers. Thus, Code Zero was the perfect name for a sail that could sail at closer angles than any spinnaker in the inventory. Codes 2, 3, and 4 were used at progressively broader angles. Although every team had their own version by the end of the race, Paul Cayard and the winning EF Language team first realized the sail’s potential and got the lion’s share of the credit for its development.įor most syndicates the spinnaker designed for the tightest wind angles was designated as the Code 1 Reacher. What makes the Code Zero more useful are advances in furling technology, which can make them easier to handle, and the addition of bow sprits of various lengths that help create more space for the sail.ĭuring the 1998-99 Whitbread Race, the term Code Zero was coined to define what was basically an upwind asymmetric spinnaker, its shape and geometry born from the limitations imposed by the class rule. Genoa-powered boats don’t get as much benefit since they already have a good sized reaching option. These usually are fractionally rigged but have spinnaker halyards that are well above the forestay or even masthead. Ease that non-overlapping jib out on a reach, and there is just not that much sail there to power the boat up. These sails are particularly useful on modern racing and cruising boats which now feature non-overlapping jibs as primary headsails. Often referred to as the “Code Zero,” it is essentially an asymmetric spinnaker designed to act like a large, loose-luffed reaching genoa.Ĭode Zero Spinnaker Photo Provided By Quantum Sails Fortunately the last 25 years have witnessed the development of specialty light to moderate reaching sails that are just the ticket. We search for anything that can get us going. With the 3, 5, and 7m, you'll cover the whole wind range, from 10 to 30 knots.An Asymmetric Spinnaker Designed to Act like a Large, Loose-Luffed Reaching GenoaĪs we settle into the dog days of summer here on the Chesapeake Bay, wind is an ingredient often in short supply. The Code Zero is a highly efficient kite with a wide wind range and impressive power delivery for a one-strut kite - which means you can ride lighter wind conditions with a smaller kite. It won't luff, over-fly or front stall, and its one-handed steering means you can always foil in your preferred stance. The kite is stable and evenly tensioned, with a balanced geometry. Super fun and easy to fly, with intuitive relaunch and reverse launch, the Code Zero is also great for learning to kite or foil in light winds. DuraLite wingtip chafe protectors provide abrasion resistance only where you need it, and small battens on the 9m and 11m stabilize the canopy. Using lighter N-Dure dacron on the leading edge and strut for stiffness and durability, a double-canopy layer to reinforce the trailing edge and lighter-weight bladder material in every size. Refined for weight savings, we’ve stripped back the kite’s construction to the essential. One of the lightest single-strut kites available, the Code Zero has a playful and agile feel with dynamic steering. It flies and turns quickly - with excellent drift and manoeuvrability which makes it ideal for foiling and small surf. and reactive single-strut performer with effortless one-handed control and efficient light wind power delivery. Like its namesake, we've engineered this kite for performance in very light air. Borrowed from our North sailing heritage, Code Zero is the name of a sail born to go fast in light, shifty conditions.
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