Most cruisers these days are equipped with a furling genoa. This genoa is suitable for average weather and even in light winds the ship will perform reasonably well upwind. Downwind however the lack of sail area and the relatively heavy cloth will start to tell. There is an easy and efficient alternative for short-handed crews: the gennaker or asymmetric spinnaker. This asymmetric sail is hoisted like a flying genoa and is easy to set, drop and gibe. The sail can be used from an apparent wind angle of 60 degrees. If required the tack can be set to windward using a spinaker pole to increase running performance.

Combined with a "stripper" hoisting chute, the gennaker is easily set and dropped.