"Spinnaker is a yacht racing game where the most fiendishly cunning skipper wins. It is advisable that at least one skipper knows the rudiments of sailing and yachting terms."
"Although dice are used, there is a strong element of judgment in choosing the best course, when to change direction and when to risk hoisting your spinnaker - because the wind may change and catch you out."
Racing is carried out on a nautical chart - there is one supplied and other charts could be used - in conjunction with the acetate overlay grid supplied. Players design a course by using the marker pen to designate a start line and a number of buoys which define the course to be sailed.
The game seeks to emulate the tactics of a real yacht or dinghy race, with a pre-start period of jostling for position followed by the start gun. The wind direction is recorded on a compass rose marked on the acetate and is variable, by reference to a D12. Different tacks (e.g., running or beating) allow different distances to be traveled in a turn, again mirroring the tactics of a real race.
Real yacht-racing rules must be observed, including penalties for infringements. Advanced rules are provided for regattas and handicaps.