noun
- a large triangular sail set forward of the mast of a racing yacht when running before the wind
Usage: nautical
Examples
- The crew hoisted the colorful spinnaker as they sailed downwind.
- Racing yachts use spinnakers to catch maximum wind when sailing away from the wind source.
- The bright red spinnaker billowed out in front of the boat.
- They had trouble controlling the spinnaker in the gusty conditions.
- The spinnaker collapsed when the wind shifted direction.
- Professional sailors must know how to properly set and trim a spinnaker.