Buying a racing genoa for a H34

[Clarke Moody]

Have recently purchased a 1985 H34, which will be used primarily for cruising, but we will be entered in several competitive races on Narragansett Bay. After a disappointing finish in the Around the Conanicut Island race on Labor Day weekend, the need for a #1 genny has become apparent. Given the weather helm tendency of the boat in a breeze, I wonder about how big a #1 to get. Our #2 seems fine in a breeze from 15-20 knots. Any suggestions?P.S. We have installed a block and tackle arrangement to adjust the backstay when going to weather. This seems to help both depower the main and help the jib, but I worry about any strain this arrangement places on the shrouds.

 

[John]

150/153?

Recommend checking with your PHRF rater to see what the maximum size is for "non-flying" sails. Some clubs use 150 and some use 153 percent.Due to the cost of new sails I'd highly recommend not carrying your sails in too high of a wind range or they will get blown out sooner. This is speaking from the voice of experience.The Racing Forum is a good place for this kind of question where I'd expect you'd get a lot more responses.

 

[Michael Cohn]

Suggest 145-150

About 145 to 150 is good - since you have a number 2 already, you will want a sail that can tolerate a max of about 12 kts or so. You might also consider a BIG drifter for really light conditions..As for your shrouds, I wouldn't worry about breaking anything with a hand backstay adjuster (a hydraulic is a different story) if your rig is properly tuned.Remember that the backstay adjuster does NOT tighten the luff of the genoa -only the halyard will do that.MC