The C-Tech SnuffAir: how an inflatable spinnaker snuffer works

A snuffer is a long sock that covers the spinnaker while it is hoisted and lowered. A control line pulls the mouth of the sock up to release the sail and down to smother it. On a conventional snuffer the mouth is a rigid hoop of plastic or glass fibre, and on a large spinnaker that hoop becomes big, heavy and awkward on deck and aloft. The SnuffAir replaces it with an inflatable bladder in a protective chafe guard. Inflated, it holds the mouth open like a hoop. Deflated, the whole system rolls up small enough for a hatch or the spinnaker bag; C-Tech states it takes up to five times less space than a rigid ring.

The sock is breathable polyester with a coloured sightline along its length, so a twist shows up before the hoist. A load-tested Dyneema head strop with an integrated dogbone attaches it to the head of the sail.

Choosing an inflatable spinnaker snuffer: Size 01C or 01D

Choose the size by spinnaker area and maximum leech length, then the sock length.

Sock length

The sock has to cover the whole spinnaker from head to foot, so its length follows the leech. Each sock length on the product page lists the maximum leech length it suits; check yours against it, and measure the leech from the sail rather than relying on the sail plan. On a yacht near the top of the 01C range, compare the 01C and 01D at the same length: the 01D's wider sock and larger bladder take a bigger sail more easily.

Inflation and pressure

The bladder fills through a standard Boston valve, from a hand or electric pump or an onboard compressed-air supply. The working pressure is 6 PSI, and a relief valve opens at about 10 PSI so the bladder cannot be over-inflated. To stow, open the valve and the bladder deflates quickly.

C-Tech inflatable spinnaker snuffer or rigid hoop?

The case for the SnuffAir is safety and stowage: there is no hard hoop to strike crew, deck gear or the rig, and it packs small. The case for a rigid hoop is simplicity: nothing to inflate, nothing to puncture, and it works the moment it comes out of the bag. On larger spinnakers, where a rigid hoop gets heavy and bulky, the inflatable design has the clearer advantage. For rigid-hoop snuffers, see our spinnaker snuffers.

C-Tech SnuffAir inflatable bladder and sock

Rigging and use

Each system comes complete: sock with integrated control system, inflatable ring with chafe guard and bridles, head strop with neoprene cover, and up/down control line. Inflate before attaching it to the sail, hoist the spinnaker in the sock, then raise the mouth with the control line. To drop, ease the sheet and pull the mouth down over the sail before lowering. The chafe guard gives the spinnaker a slippery entry and protects the bladder. A zip gives access to the bladder for inspection or replacement.

About C-Tech

C-Tech was founded in 1997 by Alex Vallings in West Auckland, New Zealand, and makes carbon composite components, with sail battens as its best-known product. It has supplied battens to America's Cup teams since 2003. At Upffront, the C-Tech range is the SnuffAir. For a first look at it, read our blog post The C-Tech SnuffAir: sail snuffer lighter than air.

C-Tech FAQ

Who is C-Tech?

A New Zealand maker of carbon composite components, founded in Auckland in 1997 by Alex Vallings, with a European base at Cabanes, Spain. It is best known for sail battens.

What does C-Tech make?

Mainly sail battens (CT22, CT36, PlateBattens and Flexfurl), plus carbon tubes, sail hardware and the SnuffAir. It has also built masts for skiff and dinghy classes and foils for SailGP's F50s.

Which SnuffAir size do I need?

Size 01C for spinnakers of 100–199 m² with a leech up to 21 m, Size 01D for 200–399 m² up to 24 m. Then choose the sock length from your leech length.

What if the SnuffAir bladder is punctured?

A repair kit is supplied (glue not included), and the zip lets you take the bladder out to repair or replace it.