Wind Speed Limits
Monohull — Sail Wind Speed Ranges
Recommended minimum and maximum wind speeds (in knots) for various sail types on monohulls.
Sail Type
Wind Range
Best Use
Jib (Working Jib)
5–22 kn
General purpose, everyday sailing
Genoa (150%)
3–18 kn
Light air, upwind performance
Main Sail (Standard)
5–28 kn
Primary sail, all-round use
Spinnaker (Symmetrical)
5–15 kn
Dead downwind, racing
Asymmetrical Spinnaker
6–18 kn
Reaching and broad reaching
Storm Jib
25–45 kn
Heavy weather survival
Reefed Main (1st Reef)
16–30 kn
Strong winds, reduced area
Reefed Main (2nd Reef)
22–38 kn
Very strong winds
Cruising Chute
4–14 kn
Light air reaching
⚠️ Monohulls heel more — reef earlier than catamarans. Always prioritise crew safety over speed.