311 headsail

[Scott Goldwyn]

I started racing my 311 this year in a 'jib and main' class. I realize now that the 116% blade jib does nothing for me in a breeze under 10knts and certainly doesn't offer much help on a run. In 10 to 20knts on a reach, the 311 flies and we took a second place finish to a J boat although close to 20knts and above the main needs a reef. I heard that some 311 owners are flying spinnakers and improvising a bowsprit!I'd be interested in any info on that subject along with info on what the PHRF for this boat.

 

[Joe]

We are clearly in a box

While I love my 311, I must admit that the single item I overlooked when buying this boat was the headsail problem. Your low wind problem is a bit of reality that will not go away, and there is no valid option for a larger headsail. If you run in a spinnaker class, you are still screwed on the upwind legs. I purchased a gennaker for offwind conditions, but it is not allowed in my fleet for non-spinnaker class racing. Best advice-pray for wind and volunteer for race committee on the light wind days.