Sailing on the slack: the Parasailor’s solution, easy and effective

In the first two in-depth studies devoted to the technique of slack sailing, we explored some fundamental concepts: the best technique of conducting, the characteristics of the sails for load-bearing gaits and their angles and intensity of wind use .

We have purposely left aside to delve into it individually another sail that can come in handy at load-bearing gaits, perfect for cruising boats with perhaps small crews, namely the Parasailor. A very unique sail that tends to stabilize the boat and make it sail at excellent lean angles. Let’s go and see what it is and how it works.

Parasailor – What it is and how it works

Let us start with a fundamental concept, which differentiates it from the sails analyzed in the previous article: the Parasailor is a symmetrical sail, with the two foils of equal length. Derived from light aviation, the Parasailor is a spinnaker equipped with a paraglider-type wing, thanks to which the wind is translated into a pulling and ascending force.

In short, the wing “lifts” the bow of the boat and “drags” it forward, providing propulsion, stability and safety on board. Fundamental characteristics in significant winds, but which allow the sail to perform even in little air. All without a tangon, so manageable even short handed.

Imagine two people on a 50-footer, with more than 25 knots and 140 square meters of sail to manage, and imagine being able to do it with ease. The gait is quite wide, ranging from wide upwind (60/70°) with little wind to full stern (180°) with a stiff breeze.

The autopilot holds the course, and adjustments are minimal, to be managed as the pace changes. No tangon, so only a few fathoms are needed and, the sail, once on target, does its own thing.