We had a
gennaker on our L380, and now the parasailor on our L400. I find the parasailor does all and more than the
gennaker,it has a wider range, especially close to downwind, a bigger
wind range and gives us similar
boat speed and is easier to handle.
Wind range for the gennaker was 5-18kn, for the parasailor 6-35. Very easy trouble free sailing and easy to rig with just rear turning blocks and
winch (they come as a set) and 2 additional bow blocks required for the
Spinnaker kit from
lagoon for around €1000. New prices ex tax , I'm guesstimating gennaker and
rigging €6000, wingaker €6000 , parasailor € 7000
The parasailor gives us good speed with apparent wind from 90-180 degrees.
I've heard the wingaker is ok as well. I'm not sure if it has an inflated air ram beam like the parasailor so it might not be quite as stable in lighter wind. The ram works very well for keeping the parasailor from collapsing.
Another big plus of the parasailor is there's no need to keep the main up when off the wind. It pretty much stayed zipped in its bag most of our
Atlantic crossing. No need to reef in squalls or for varying wind conditions and no need to juggle the best angle to keep the gennaker flying without being shadowed by the main. A normal
spinnaker will
work as well but won't have the wind range of the parasailor. You would likely need at least two. A smaller 80m2 for over 25kn and a larger 140m2 for under.