Best choice for replacment sails for Bene 361

[Benjamin Disralei]

Hi Fellow owners

I am looking to gain more speed up wind and am faced with the dilemma as to the best size head sail. I have owned my 361 since Feb 2011 and sail most weekends, have sailed in most conditions but do not have much knowledge as to the what size sail or fabric would be ideal.

she has a clean bum and moves through the water at 6 knots in a 10 knot plus wind, my head sail is a No 2 and is the only one and its on a furler. I played around sailing the other day with just the head sail up and was moving along at 6.6 knots at best in 18 plus knots, is the respectable or should I be getting more. I have also played around with car positions and I think I have determined the best positions when going to windward. I would really appreciate your comments as I do not have anyone to assist me with sail choice or set up.

 

[DougM]

It seems to me that you are sailing fairly close to design hull speed. Sail age and the subsequent ability to may have some effect.
The OEM sails are probably not the best cut and may tend to be a little bit full for higher wind speeds. Also if you have a furling main, you will never be able to get an optimal sail shape on the main.

My suggestion would be to contact more than one sailmaker, provide them with info on the types of conditions in which you normally sail.They can in turn, give you some recommendations and pricing.

 

[Mike B]

In those conditions with a 140% genoa and furling main we were able to hit 7kts and more in the puffs. We had an Autoprop feathering propeller which I'm sure made a difference. Not a lot you can do to trim her out other than the normal sail shape tweeking. Pointing was not her strong suite, wind on the beam was. Overall a nice stable boat but not a race horse.

 

[agaliha]

Not too bad,

6.6 knots isn't too bad, but you can do better. I have a North 140% that is rated up to 17 knots apparent. Then I have a North 100% that is rated up to 32 knots apparent. Then I have an ATN gale sail that will "snap" over a furled headsail for use as a storm jib. I think it is 100 square feet.

With a clean bottom I can hit 7.2 knots with the 140% upwind in 12 knot winds. This is confirmed by the gps...not just a happy knotmeter. However, this was not possible until I replaced the original (2002) mainsail. North also made that for me with 4 full battens. My original Neil Pryde was only 2 full battens. The new main made a huge difference because the old one was "blown out" and pulled the boat more sideways than forward.

I leave the 140% furled on the forestay from late April until October here on the inland lake I sail on. Then I remove the 140 and run up the 100% for the winter months which tend to be windier. This also spreads out the UV effects on both sails to extend the life of both. Changing headsails is not a chore you want to do very often, as I'm sure you have experienced.

So, here's my advice: Check your main and consider upgrading it if it has only 2 full battens. If you live in a predominantly light wind area, get a 140% radial cut made out of Radian material from North. (This material wasn't available when I bought mine and it gets rave reviews...strong and durable.) Then get an ATN Galesail for storm conditions.

My 100% is sweet in strong winds (16 knots plus), but if I had it to do over again I would order a 110 % and reef the main earlier. The boat sails BEAUTIFULLY with a reefed main and the 100%, but has more weather helm, so hence the 110 recommendation.

By the way, I hope you are as happy with the sailing performance of your 361 as I am. For a comfortable cruiser, I am amazed at how she sails. She is very "traveller sensitive" so I find that I am working the traveller quite a bit going upwind in stronger winds. In a puff, I drop the traveller and the main luffs and the boat is powered by the headsail. After the puff passes, I pull the traveller up and never have to touch the mainsheet. My boat has a wing keel, so excessive heeling doesn't help performance.

Hope these musings help. Happy sailing.

Agaliha

P.S. I have no affiliation with North other than being a happy customer over many years.

 

[Benjamin Disralei]

Re: Not too bad,

Hi Agaliha

Thank you so much for the informative advice on the preferred sail for the different situations. As I said I only have a No 2 headsail but was considering having a 140% made, I have little knowledge in this field but am learning. Like you I think my main sail has had its day as I can not get the desired shape that I am looking for. mine has 4 full battens and I would prefer to go that way again. a lot of Australian sailors are going for Asian made sails as the price is great and the response to the quality has been terrific, what's your thoughts...?

Am I happy with my 361, I could not be happier, it is my first yacht and am proud that my due diligence and time taken in research paid off. She handles like a dream and I love to sail her alone and is so easy to manage single handed though the rig and set up is stock standard, no modifications. She can turn on a dime and is very responsive.
I do not have a furling main and was not considering one, also I have a two blade fixed prop but am considering a folding next time when she is out of the water.

Would like to see pictures of your 361 and her set up if you have the time as I have no one in Australia that has a Bene or to seek advice from that I would trust.

Take care Agaliha and thank you again for your advice.

Also I would like to thank DougM and Mike B for there contribution as well, much appreciated advice.

Take care.