Wing-on-Wing and Gennaker Set

Wing-on-wing and the gennaker set are among the decisive downwind skills in regatta sailing. On the leeward leg after the windward mark, it is decided whether you build speed immediately or give away valuable boat lengths. Those who master both techniques can sail stably and fast with mainsail and headsail in light air – and switch to the gennaker in good time as the wind increases, without chaos on board.

This guide explains the technical fundamentals, optimal crew coordination and typical regatta situations. It complements the overview under Downwind Sailing and links to Optimizing VMG and Angles as well as Gennaker and Code Zero.

What Wing-on-Wing Means

Wing-on-wing (also "goosewing" or "sailing by the lee") describes the configuration in which mainsail and headsail are on opposite sides: the mainsail is set on the windward side, the jib or small headsail on the leeward side. The wind flows between both sails and creates a large, stable sail area – ideal when the wind is almost from astern and no spinnaker or gennaker is set.

Typical conditions for use:

• True wind angle (TWA) between 150° and 180°
• Light to moderate wind (approx. 4–14 knots, class-dependent)
• Direct course to the target or next mark
• Situations in which a gennaker set is still too risky or not permitted under the rules

You can find the basic terminology for reaching wind under Upwind and Reaching Wind.

Advantages and Risks

Wing-on-wing often delivers the highest VMG in light air without an additional headsail. However, the crew must keep three central risks in mind:

1. Uncontrolled windward turn (accidental gybe) – The mainsail can suddenly swing across if the wind shifts slightly from astern to the other side.
2. Boom strike – With an unsecured boom and sudden wind shift, there is a risk of injury.
3. Instability in gusts – The boat tends to broach when too much sail area is set with insufficient counterweight.

Wing-on-Wing vs. Gennaker – When to Choose Which Option?

Not every downwind leg starts with a gennaker. The decision depends on wind strength, boat class, course layout and fleet position. Helmsman and tactician choose according to the principle of maximum VMG – not out of habit.

Trimming Wing-on-Wing Correctly

Successful wing-on-wing is trim work, not just steering skill. The most important levers:

Mainsail Trim

• Boom height: Not too low – otherwise the mainsail blocks the wind path to the jib
• Boom vang: Tight enough to prevent an accidental gybe; not so tight that the sail loses shape
• Traveller: Position on the leeward side to stabilise the pressure point
• Backstay: Depending on rig concept, ease slightly for more body in the mainsail

Headsail Trim

• Jib sheet: Trim continuously – too tight and the boat yaws; too loose and the jib collapses
• Outriggers: Extend on the leeward side so the jib stands far enough from the mainsail
• Windward sheet: On some rigs, prepare the jib on the windward side before switching to wing-on-wing

Crew Position

In light air, the crew often sits to windward for stability and better VMG. In more wind, weight moves aft and to the leeward side to reduce broach risk. Role distribution follows the pattern under Trimmer and Headsail Trimmer.

Gennaker Set – Procedure and Crew Roles

The gennaker set is the central manoeuvre when transitioning from wing-on-wing or jib sailing to the asymmetric headsail. A clean set takes 15–30 seconds; a poor one costs an entire leg. The sequence follows the symmetric Spinnaker Set and Drop, but does not require a spinnaker pole.

Standard Set Sequence (Keelboat with 4–6 Crew)

1. Preparation (before the windward mark): Gennaker out of the bag, lines untangled, tack and sheet secured at the correct bow, communication plan confirmed with helmsman.
2. Gybe initiation: Helmsman calls "Gennaker set in … seconds" – crew positions itself, mainsail prepared for set course.
3. Secure tack and sheet: Pitman or mastman secures tack at bow; gennaker sheet runs free through blocks.
4. Hoist sail: Bowman pulls gennaker from bag or deck; headsail trimmer guides the luff.
5. Deploy and set: Sail is pulled until luff is tight; sheet is trimmed in while helmsman holds course.
6. Trim and VMG: Gennaker trimmer works sheet and tweaker; tactician confirms VMG course according to Courses and VMG.
7. Adjust mainsail: Main trimmer reduces overlap, traveller and vang set for new configuration.

Crew Roles Overview

Transition from Wing-on-Wing to Gennaker

The smooth transition is a common regatta situation: light air at the start of the leg, increasing wind or a better course angle make the gennaker worthwhile. Two established variants:

Variant A: Set from Wing-on-Wing

• Mainsail remains on windward side for now
• Jib is stowed or placed on the windward side
• Gennaker is set on the leeward side
• Mainsail is trimmed to normal downwind position after the set

Variant B: Gybe First, Then Set

• Helmsman gybes in a controlled manner onto set course
• Mainsail and jib are brought to the new leeward side
• Gennaker is set while the boat still has speed
• Suitable in stronger wind and on planing boats

Details on controlled gybes can be found under Roll Tack and Roll Gybe.

Typical Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistakes cost more boat lengths on the leeward leg than any tactical decision:

• Set in too little wind: Gennaker collapses, boat loses speed – wing-on-wing would have been faster
• Set in too much wind without preparation: Wrap or broach immediately after the set
• Missing communication: Bowman sets while pitman is still working on the wrong line
• Mainsail blocks gennaker: Overlapping mainsail prevents clean luff
• Preventer forgotten: Wing-on-wing without boom security often ends in accidental gybe

Frequently Asked Questions

• From what wind is the gennaker worth it instead of wing-on-wing? – Class-dependent, usually from 8–10 kn TWS.
• Do I need a spinnaker pole for the gennaker? – No, asymmetric headsails fly from the bow tack.
• Can I sail wing-on-wing in 20 knots? – Only with experienced crew and strong boom security; usually gennaker or mainsail only.
• When is the best set timing after the windward mark? – When course and wind angle are stable, not in the middle of the rounding.
• What to do in a gennaker wrap? – Release sheet immediately, work the boat, do not keep trimming in.

Checklist for Regatta and Training

Before the Windward Mark

• Wind strength and gusts aligned for sail choice (wing-on-wing vs. gennaker)
• Gennaker out of bag, tack and sheet secured at bow
• All lines untangled, communication plan discussed
• Boom security prepared for wing-on-wing (preventer/vang)
• VMG target course agreed with tactician

During Wing-on-Wing

• Boom security active and checked
• Jib sheet trimmed continuously
• Crew weight to windward in light air, aft in gusts
• Watch wind shifts – avoid accidental gybe
• Set timing for gennaker communicated

During Gennaker Set

• Helmsman holds stable set course
• Tack secured before sheet is loaded
• Luff tight, no creases in luff tape
• Main trimmer clears overlap
• VMG course checked immediately after set

Training Programme Wing-on-Wing and Gennaker

• Wing-on-wing in increasing wind strength
• Preventer drill with intentional wind shift
• Gennaker set from various courses
• Set under time pressure (30-second target)
• Transition wing-on-wing to gennaker
• Controlled drop before leeward gate
• VMG comparison wing-on-wing vs. gennaker with GPS
• Crew rotation through all positions

Related Topics

• Downwind Sailing
• Optimizing VMG and Angles
• Gennaker and Code Zero
• Spinnaker Set and Drop
• Leeward Gates and Overlap