[C320-list] Genoa: 120 v 150

[Jerry Brown]

We just purchased Hull 1137 with a regular main, Dutchman Flaking, two reefs 
and 135 Genoa.  Previously we had hull 925 with regular main, flaking, one 
reef and a 155 Genoa.  We sail on Lake Ontario which also has light winds in 
summer.  Experience taught us that one reef was of limited use when strong 
winds came and that with the 155 Genoa it was easy to overpower the boat 
even with the reef in.  We also learnt that the 155 Genoa did not perform 
well when partly furled.

1137 has only just got in the water but early experience is that it is 
better balanced and easier to manage in strong gusts while still performing 
well.  The comparison is not exact as we also fitted a Kiwi prop to 1137. 
When sailing in company with other 320's at the annual Catalina regatta we 
have a significant performance advantage with the regular main in both speed 
and pointing.  So far I am very happy that we chose the smaller Genoa, it is 
lighter, easier to handle and seems better suited to a range of conditions. 
Time will tell whether we made the right choice but that is the early 
feedback.  If you do want a furling main I would expect that the In boom 
furling would be a higher performance choice than in mast.  I regularly 
single hand and have not found managing a regular main with flaking a 
problem once I worked out a "system".  I do everything from the cockpit 
except putting on the sail ties.  I do have to stand on the cockpit sides to 
set the Dutchman lines which needs care in rough conditions and I sometimes 
wait to put on the sail ties as the sail is held pretty well by the flaking 
lines if need be.  It is not as convenient as in mast furling but for us the 
performance gain is worthwhile.

Regards

Jerry Brown
Indigo #1137
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Len" <aqua5len at gmail.com>
To: <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 7:24 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Genoa: 120 v 150


> If you want a furling main consider in-boom furling.  Much more "natural"
> sailing, and you can reef by lowering to any horizontal (normal) batten.
> I've been enjoying my Leisure furl "Coastal" system for two years, and
> friends agree it beats in-mast furling by a country mile.  Have it with 
> 135
> genoa.
>
> Len Krane
> AQUA5  #1070
> Marina del Rey, CA
>
> On Tue, May 27, 2008 at 3:45 PM, dluzader <dluzader at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I'm in the process of ordering a new 320.  Can anyone share thoughts
>> on genoa size?  I'm replacing my Catalina 27 on the Chesapeake.  Is it
>> worth going with the 150 over the 120 for the light air we have around
>> here?  Also, any thoughts on opting for battens on a furling main?
>> Many thanks for the help!
>>