135% genoa

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James Sladky

Dear Doyle Sailmakers, I am entertaining the idea of getting a 135% genoa for my 320 Hunter. It is presently using a 110% I am concerned about tacking and getting hung up on the 30 degree raked back spreaders. My track is inboard on the cabin top and I may not have enough track left to adjust the leads. Plan is to run line aft around block to winch. I need more reaching ability in light wind. Can I do this and if so can you suggest any modifications needed? I have a Seldon 100s furler. I-36'10" J-12' P-34'4" E-12'7" Thanks, hope you can help. Jim
 
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Rick Belisle

U have a choice

a. Don't forget to move your blocks forward whenyou want to change from a close reach to a beam reach. You spill less air that way (watch the top of your jib...it'll tell you) OR b. add a t-track to the deck that you use for all headsails. TAHis will open the slot somewhat which is not a bad thing in heavy weather.
 
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Steve

155??

James, I played around with a 135% last year on my 320 that did not fit the boat properly. However, it showed me how to actually get a 155 on the boat by adding rail on the deck outboard the cockpit between the stern cleats and the stantion. If you use a 135, it won't quite fit without some mods to the tracks somewhere because of the spreaders and the shrouds. If you have to do the mods, then I would suggest the 155. The 135 did nake a difference in races with light air, but not enough. BTW, I now have a 356, and the 155% is already on order. Write if you want more details on my 135 experience. Steve sestyles@yahoo.com
 
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Jef

Keeping my 110%

I have been toying with the idea of putting a 135% on my 326... until I've found myself in F6-7 winds. At force 4-5 and sailing close hauled, the 326 is well balanced with the 110% and one reef in the main, and cruises near max hull speed (7.3 kts). The boat is too tender to keep the main full up. Now I'm thinking like David. I'm going for an asymetric spinnaker (cruising chute) or... a 150% on a stayless furler (not sure of the exact name, called "emmagasineur" in French). One thing's sure, I'm keeping my 110% until it's worn, then having a new sail cut to slightly larger dimensions, but nothing near 135%. Bon vent Jef & *Pixie* p.s. We added a 3rd reef in the main, and are installing an inner forestay for the storm jib. F7+ winds are the rule in the Mediterranean more than the exception.
 
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Steve

Main & Jib racing...

The only reason I have for putting a larger jib on my 320 (and now 356) is for racing in light air. You cannot use a cruising spinnaker in a main & jib class. In air above 12 knts, the Hunter does well. Below that, and I might as well not start. Since I cannot pick the air that happen for each race, I must adapt the boat to the conditions. With light air, I put on the 155. Above 12 knts, and the 110 does great. I would have the boat with just a 155 as it would be very overpowered in medium to strong wind. A larger headsail is strickly for racing, and not for cruising. For cruising, I would also recommend keeping the 110 and getting a ASM. Steve
 
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James Sladky

135% genoa Thanks guys

Thanks guys, Steve hit it on the nose, clarification. Getting the 135 is for jib and main racing. I imagine if used one must be very careful tacking. My concern is catching on the spreaders and having a big belly. Definitely going to have to rig to run more outboard. Steve, How did you trim your 150%? Was it on a furling headstay to reef in if needed? Love to go this way but can't visuallize tacking and not getting hung up or having a huge belly to deal with close hauled.
 
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Steve

155 Furling...

James, All the jibs on board must furl to get the 6 second credit for any of them. Yes, mine does furl, but if it looks like I would need to furl it to keep the boat standing up, I probably wouldn't have it on anyway. Only exception would be on a distance race and then I would look to change headsails either up or down depending on the wind. The bad point is dropping the sail and then raising the new one. I would furl in a pinch, but otherwise look to change sails. As far as tacking, it wasn't too bad. With light winds and the bigger sail up, we wouldn't be fighting that much. I did have one crewman assigned to make sure it went around the mast without catching somewhere. Hope this helps. Steve
 
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