[C320-list] Jib size

[Rich]

Adding to the discussion: we successfully raced a C&C-29 on Lake Ontario in an 8 boat one design fleet, and it was critical to have a recent high tech 155% sail to be competitive in that fleet. What is critical to getting performance out of a large Genoa is that it needs to form the ideal shape. When a sail has lost its shape through age and stretch, the draft moves back producing more weather helm and less forward drive. A large Dacron sail with a UV cover, such as the one on our C320, simply weighs too much to shape well in light air, and it is too big for heavy air. The wind range where it is advantaged is probably 5 - 12 knots. We get a lot of that on Lake Ontario. When it is <5 knots, this sail can be pretty bad upwind. For cruising any significant distance we need to use the iron sail in those conditions. I could believe a 130-140% Dacron cruising sail may be better below 5 knots wind due to lower hanging weight and better shape and above 12 knots the boat would be better balanced with less weather helm. In the 5-12 sweet spot the 155 would “win the race”. 

Rich Allen
SV Destiny, #265, 1995

Mobile device, please pardon any errors

> On Mar 1, 2024, at 7:28 PM, ptormey 4square.net via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> 
> I find the physics of pointing higher with a 155 a bit puzzling. Having raced both a 150 and a 135 on separate 32 foot boats both with wing keels, I find the smaller sail points better.
> 
> It seems to me the more force you have forward of the mast the more force you have against pointing high.
> 
> Now if you tell me you reef in your 155 then it could start to make sense. But I'm still not seeing it.
> 
> Pat
> Pat Tormey
> s/v Blues Skies
> Newport RI
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Karl Krueger via C320-list
> Sent: Friday, March 1, 2024 4:17 PM
> To: C320-List at catalina320.com
> Cc: Karl Krueger <smoothsail282 at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Jib size
> 
> Hi All:
> 
> Just a thought on the sail size issue.  I do feel the type of keep on your
> C320 makes a difference as well.
> 
> The fin keel will perform better going upwind in light air and with 155% I'm able to out point many other boats.
> 
> Karl Krueger
> Kindred Spirit #282
> Milwaukee WI
> 
>> On Fri, Mar 1, 2024 at 2:07 PM ART HARDEN via C320-list < c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Most of my Sailing has been using a 150 or 155. This is been on
>> various boats from a Capri 26 to my current Catalina 320. When I had
>> the Capri 26, I was always having an issue trying to point into the
>> wind. I finally was able to get a 110 jib and found that it made the
>> boat point like a dog in heat.
>> 
>> I ordered a new sale for Tortuga and bought a 135 for Lake Erie. I
>> have not had a chance to really put the sail to use, but I am hoping
>> to this season.
>> 
>> My thought is that if you are on a beam reach the 155 is a great sail.
>> However, if you’re trying to point into the wind, it can be a
>> hindrance instead of an asset. In light winds, trying to point into
>> the wind, a 155 tends to pull the bow off. It may be the way I’m
>> trimming the sails, but this is what I have found.
>> 
>> The above comments in five dollars will get you a cup of coffee from
>> Starbucks
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> Art Harden
>> Catalina 320 "Tortuga" E-62
>> 937.885.9380 (o)
>> 937.477.5544 (m)
>> 
>>> On Mar 1, 2024, at 6:55 AM, Tim via C320-list <
>> c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hello All -
>>> I'm in the process of purchasing new sails for my boat. Originally
>>> she
>> had a 135 and during my ownership I used 150, 155 and 160 jibs as I
>> was racing on a regular basis. They performed well in light wind and
>> were still manageable in strong winds. I'm racing less but it never
>> gets out of your blood so I'm feeling the 140 that the sailmaker is
>> suggesting is a bit small.
>>> What experiences have you had and any suggestions??
>>> Thx
>>> TimCalypso #603
>> 
> 
> 
> --
> 
> 
> [image: CRS-Designation-Logo_Horizontal_Color (1)]
> 
> 
> Karl W Krueger - ABR, CRS, GRI,
> RE/MAX Lakeside Realty
> Phone - 414-322-6541
> 
> Have a smooth sailing day.....