How to improve downwind sailing performance when bluewater cruising

When it comes to long-distance cruising, few factors influence your comfort and confidence at sea more than how efficiently your yacht sails downwind. Getting the balance right between speed, stability, and ease of handling can transform your bluewater sailing experience – making every passage faster, smoother, and more enjoyable.

To find out how you can get the most from your sail plan offshore, we spoke to Kevin Sproul of Ultimate Sails – one of the UK’s most experienced sail designers – for his expert insight on maximising downwind performance when bluewater cruising across the Atlantic, Pacific, and beyond.

With over 30 years in professional sailmaking and racing, Kevin has worked with everyone from offshore cruisers to Grand Prix racers, developing sails that deliver performance, balance, and reliability.

The bluewater balancing act

Mastering sail balance and speed for long-distance passages.

For most ocean-going cruisers, downwind sailing is where the miles are won or lost. You’ve got steady trade winds, rolling seas, and a yacht laden with gear and provisions. The challenge isn’t just to go faster, it’s to stay comfortable, safe, and efficient.

“On many cruising yachts, sailing deep downwind under main and jib feels fine at first,” Kevin says. “But you soon notice the boat slowing, rolling, and losing drive. You’re making 6 or 7 knots when you could be making 9 or 10, and that adds up to hours, even days, on a long passage. It often means using the engine more too, increasing costs and the amount of fuel you need to carry.”

It’s a common issue for bluewater sailors: too deep for the jib, too shy for the spinnaker – the dreaded downwind dead zone. That’s where more modern sails like the Code 0 and furling asymmetric make all the difference.

The Code 0 advantage – For light conditions

Add power and pace to your bluewater passages with a Code 0 sail.

Picture this: you’ve left the Canaries bound for the Caribbean, or perhaps the Galápagos on a Pacific leg. The trade winds are steady at 10 to 12 knots, the sea gentle, and the boat is gliding along – until the wind speed drops. Under your standard sails, you’re making 6.5 knots. Then you unfurl your Code 0, trim in, and instantly climb to 9 or 10 knots.

“The Code 0 fills that critical gap,” Kevin explains. “It’s perfect when it’s too tight for a cruising chute or spinnaker but too light for the jib. You’ll sail faster, more efficiently, and with a lot more control.”

A Code 0 is a relatively flat sail, designed for reaching and fast passage-making between about 35 and 90-degrees apparent wind angle. Built from laminated sailcloth rather than spinnaker nylon, it resists stretch and keeps its aerodynamic shape under load – ideal for light to moderate trade wind sailing.

“They’re especially good for modern yachts with self-tacking jibs or smaller foresails,” says Kevin. “You get a proper ‘turbo boost’ without adding complexity. And because it’s furling, you can roll it away in seconds if the wind rises – no deck drama, no sail wrestling.”

The Cruising Chute – Power for broader angles

Your go-to sail for running deep with control and confidence.

When the wind shifts further aft, the cruising chute becomes the bluewater sailor’s best friend. Designed in lightweight nylon, it’s easy to handle and brings serious power for true wind angles between 120- and 160-degrees.

“The beauty of the cruising chute is its simplicity,” Kevin notes. “You hoist it, trim it like a genoa, and you’ll feel the speed difference immediately. It’s forgiving in light air and runs deep in stronger winds. Also, on a catamaran, which has a more stable platform, it can be tacked to the windward hull, allowing the boat to sail very comfortably dead downwind.”

For short-handed crews – typical on bluewater voyages – a snuffer makes all the difference. “It allows one person to hoist or douse the sail safely,” Kevin adds. “That confidence means you’ll actually use your downwind sails instead of relying on the engine to maintain a steady speed.

“Even on relatively large cruising yachts, a cruising chute can be doused quickly and easily. It takes about the same time as a Code 0 to furl – around 20 to 30 seconds. We timed the dousing of the cruising chute on a Beneteau Oceanis 62, and it only needed about 20 to 30 seconds for either of the owners to snuff the sail in 15 knots of wind.”

Each Ultimate Sails cruising chute is designed specifically for the yacht it’s built for, ensuring full hoist height, perfect balance, and maximum efficiency – essential on long offshore legs.

Furling Asymmetric – Effortless downwind sailing

Big performance, small workload – perfect for short-handed ocean cruising.

For cruisers seeking the perfect blend of performance and practicality, the furling asymmetric is hard to beat. Think of it as the ‘smart sail’ for modern passage makers – combining the power of a cruising chute with the control of a Code 0.

“With a furling asymmetric, you hoist it once and simply furl it in or out as the wind speed or angle changes,” says Kevin. “It’s stable, lightweight, and works across a huge range of angles. That’s ideal for trade wind passages, where conditions evolve but you don’t want to keep changing sails.”

Constructed from high-quality nylon and featuring an anti-twist luff rope, furling asymmetric sails are as easy to manage as a genoa. For couples or small crews crossing oceans, this makes them the ideal sail for fast, safe bluewater cruising.

The science behind the sails

Modern sail technology reshaping the bluewater cruising experience.

The latest generation of downwind sails has been inspired by the growing popularity of bowsprits, furling systems, and asymmetric designs on modern sailing yachts.

“People used to think of downwind sails as racing equipment,” Kevin says. “Now, they’re essential cruising tools. Modern fabrics are stronger, lighter, and hold their shape better, so you get efficiency and ease of handling in one package.”

The result? Higher average speeds, fewer engine hours, less rolling, and more enjoyable passages. From Atlantic crossings to Pacific trade wind runs, the right downwind sail plan makes bluewater cruising faster, quieter, and more comfortable.

Kevin’s top tips for downwind performance

Simple habits that make a big difference offshore.

1. Keep the boat balanced

Let the sails breathe – an under-trimmed sail is always better than one that’s over-trimmed. Modern downwind sails are designed to be stable and easy to adjust, allowing for more relaxed sailing and less rolling by keeping the apparent wind flow consistent.

2. Use your autopilot wisely

Modern instrumentation allows you to switch the autopilot between true wind angle and apparent wind angle. Downwind, it’s best to steer to true wind angle, as it remains steadier when the boat is surfing or rolling on waves. This helps reduce the amount of trimming needed to maintain smooth flow and pace.

3. Match the sail to the moment

Use a Code 0 for light-air reaching, a cruising chute for broad running, and a furling asymmetric for flexibility.

4. Furl early

If a squall’s on the horizon, roll away the power before the gust hits – preserving both your sails and the crew’s energy.

The bottom line

Unlock the true potential of your bluewater yacht when downwind cruising.

Downwind sailing no longer means slow, rolly miles under main and jib. With modern sail technology – including the Code 0, cruising chute, and furling asymmetric – bluewater sailors can achieve faster, more comfortable, and more efficient passages across any ocean.

“Bluewater cruising should be enjoyable,” Kevin concludes. “With the right sails, you’ll sail more, motor less, and arrive sooner, and with a grin on your face – ready for the rum punch.”

For more information on Code 0s, cruising chutes, and furling asymmetrics – or to have downwind sails designed specifically for your yacht – visit Ultimate Sails or contact Kevin Sproul and his team for expert, personalised advice.