APC spinnker vs genoa for a 2004 hunter 326

Jun 12, 2012
5
Feel the need for more speed....our hunter has in mast furling, and a decent headsail. On the Chesapeake during the summer winds are lighter. Want to try a new sail plan for the calm summer days. I do have a spinnaker halyard. Would welcome feed. Thanks, Steve
 
Oct 29, 2005
2,362
Hunter Marine 326 303 Singapore
An Asymm would be a good start. No need for spin pole, up & down haul and pole mount at mast. Get the Asymm with a sock and it'll be easier to manage.
 
Mar 20, 2004
1,746
Hunter 356 and 216 Portland, ME
the APC is a great sail - easy to set and trim, broad range (up to a reach) huge improvement in downwind performance
 
Nov 8, 2007
1,593
Hunter 27_75-84 Sandusky Harbor Marina, Ohio
Asymmetric!

A big genny is the best sail for going to the windward mark in light wind for a race. But once you crack off to 60 degrees (absolute) off the wind an asymmetric spinnaker is a far better sail until you get close to a dead run. Since most cruising is off the wind, the asymmetric proves to be a much better choice for us cruisers.
 
Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
Your boat cannot fly an overlapping headsail, so a genoa is out. You need an asym, and which one depends on where you want your speed to increase.

You cannot help your beating speed. So forget about that.

For close to beam reaching, a Code 1, Doyle UPS, or whatever name your sailmaker calls his reaching asym will work wonders in 4-10 knots of breeze. Like this.



For wind aft the beam, a general purpose asym will work.

Our smaller boat has a non-overlapping headsail as well, I wrote more about reaching asym on its blog.

http://rarerarebird.blogspot.com/2014/01/260-mod-reaching-asyms.html
 
Jun 12, 2012
5
Thanks to everyone for the great advise. I have two quotes in the works. Everyone's advise was the nudge or kick I needed to make this new sail happen.