Sail specialThe ideal sail for cruising boats

Fridtjof Gunkel

 · 26.09.2018

Sail special: The ideal sail for cruising boatsPhoto: YACHT/M.-S. Kreplin
Ideal for lazy summer days, even heavy touring boats can get going with a Code Zero
Why Code Zero makes sense on every boat and what customers should know before buying. Plus: How to pack and stow your sails correctly

The light wind sail set on its own stay is becoming more and more universal in use, developing from a specialist into a versatile all-rounder. This makes the Code Zero the ideal addition to the modern sail plan, which usually features small headsails. But it can also provide good service on older boats and may even be used on board instead of a gennaker. The report explains in which wind range the sail works well, what its special features are, what shapes are available and what peripherals are required on board.

Incidentally, autumn is the perfect time to order sails, the companies have more time and there are sometimes attractive discounts. A good place to get an overview and speak to several sailmakers one after the other is the Hamburg Boat Show (from 17 to 21 October).

Further topics in the Sailing Special:

Well packed: the right bag for every sail

Well protected: The optimum tarpaulin for the furling genoa

Well stowed: How to stow the valuable cloths correctly

You can find the sailing special in the current issue of YACHT 21/2018. You can buy the magazine in stores now or order it here as a print edition or as a PDF.

Fridtjof Gunkel

Fridtjof Gunkel

Deputy Chief Editor YACHT

Fridtjof Gunkel was born on Helgoland in 1962; he started his sailing career there in the Opti and quickly switched to keelboats. North Sea Week, Cowes Week and Kiel Week were early stops, followed by many years in the Admiral's Cup scene on the cuppers “Container” and “Rubin” World Championships and international regattas in the Starboat, with the mini-maxi “SiSiSi” and various tonner yachts as well as participation in the Whitbread Round the World Race were further formative stations, flanked by extensive cruising trips. Fridtjof Gunkel joined YACHT back in 1985 as part of a traineeship, where he later became Head of the Test & Technology department and then Deputy Editor-in-Chief around 25 years ago. He is also responsible for the regatta and sports section. Fridtjof Gunkel privately sails a performance/cruiser moored on the Baltic coast, his favorite areas are the eastern Swedish archipelago and Brittany.

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