Glossary · Dimensions
Downwind sail area
Also called: Surface de voilure au portant
Sail area carried with the wind on the beam or from behind, with the big headsails.
Downwind, the boat hoists large, light headsails, gennakers or code zeros, often set on a bowsprit. Total area can then approach twice the upwind figure. Racing boats reach their top speeds on these points of sail.
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No source yet · updated 30 Sept 2026