[C320-list] Genoa Size

[Darrell]

Thanks Scott,

Darrell
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott Thompson" <sthompson at toad.net>
To: "C320-List" <c320-list at catalina320.com>
Sent: Friday, December 14, 2007 7:01 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Genoa Size


The "percentage" that sailmakers use to measure a sail is usually defined
to be the ratio of the "luff perpendicular" measurement to the luff
measurement (assuming a full hoist jib).  The luff perpendicular is the
distance from the clew to the luff, measured perpendicular to the luff.
The easiest way to measure this is with the sail off the boat and laid out
flat on a deck or lawn.  Simply fold the sail by pulling the tack along
the luff towards the head until the folded sail makes a right triangle
with the head at one corner, the clew at another corner, and one end of
the fold makes the third, right-angle corner.  Then the length of the
folded edge is your LP length and the percentage your sailmaker will use
is the ratio of this to the length of the luff itself.  This, together
with the luff length, determine the total area of the sail, assuming the
sail is triangular.

Contrary to popular opinion, the percentage does not have anything to do
with the distance from the mast to the forestay, or the amount of overlap
with the mast.  The LP distance for a 100% sail can be longer or shorter
than the distance from the mast to the forestay, depending on how you
measure the latter, the cut of the sail, and what the rake of the mast is.
 A 100% sail with a very high clew might overlap the mast quite a bit, for
example, while one with a very low "deck sweeper" clew might have the tack
slightly forward of the mast.  Both would have the same sail area.

Scott Thompson

> I am also interested in the response to Brian's question. First though,
> how
> do I determine how big my existing sail is. Just measure the overlap at
> the
> mast verses the distance from the mast to the forestay. I also find our
> existing genoa hard to tack and two much sail allot of the time and
> partially reefing it gives a really poor shape. I have been leaning
> towards
> a 110 but perhaps a 135 would be the way to go to save some performance in
> light winds. FX will make a 110 and 135 for $1299 and $1499 respectively
> and
> currently have a sale on for 10% off. Anyone have experience with their
> products? We don't race and are happy with dacron sails as long as they
> are
> well made.
>
> Darrell
> 88 Antares
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Amirault Family" <amiraults at sympatico.ca>
> To: <c320-list at catalina320.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2007 3:08 PM
> Subject: [C320-list] Genoa Size
>
>
>> Opinions solicited.
>>
>> Bear has a 150% foresail which can certainly be an aid when the 'boys'
>> are
>> racing her, but which is a bit much to handle for a spouse with limited
>> upper body strength who both wants to take part when gentle cruising but
>> who refuses to take the helm. For those days with the mate when speed is
>> not an issue, is a 135% small enough, or should I be looking at a
>> 120/125?
>>
>> I would like to here from those who are using 135% or smaller jibs on a
>> regular basis...or Adam
>>
>> Regards;
>>
>> Brian Amirault
>> 797 Waltzing Bear, too
>>
>>
>
>
>