We sail a C-22 and there are a few days where the wind is very light. We have a 150 genny, but we were thinking about a drifter sail for these conditions. I have never used one before, but for the right conditions they seem like they would be nice. How many have used these sails, and what weight cloth would be recommended? I was thinking about something in the 1.5 oz. range. Thanks Dale
Drifter sails
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drifter ease
I have used a drifter a few times in light airs instead of a jib. It gets my boat up to speed as if it was in regular wind with the jib. Because its head is above the forestay, I have to gybe rather than tack. Other than that and the extra length of line needed in the cockpit to accommodate the additional foot, they are very easy to use. Mine is technically termed a DRS Drifter Reacher Spinnaker, so has a bit more belly than a typical drifter. It is also lighter, I am suspecting less than an ounce. I would certainly recommend using one in light airs. I used mine on a Daysailer II which was 17' loa.
I have used a drifter a few times in light airs instead of a jib. It gets my boat up to speed as if it was in regular wind with the jib. Because its head is above the forestay, I have to gybe rather than tack. Other than that and the extra length of line needed in the cockpit to accommodate the additional foot, they are very easy to use. Mine is technically termed a DRS Drifter Reacher Spinnaker, so has a bit more belly than a typical drifter. It is also lighter, I am suspecting less than an ounce. I would certainly recommend using one in light airs. I used mine on a Daysailer II which was 17' loa.
Not a spinnaker
Alan I am not asking about a spinnaker, but rather a drifter. These hank on like a genny, but are larger than a 150, and also lighter. Most that I have seen are from .75 oz. to as much as 2 oz. Most seem to be 1 to 1.5 oz. Thanks for the reply thought. Dale
Alan I am not asking about a spinnaker, but rather a drifter. These hank on like a genny, but are larger than a 150, and also lighter. Most that I have seen are from .75 oz. to as much as 2 oz. Most seem to be 1 to 1.5 oz. Thanks for the reply thought. Dale
DRIFTER
Hardly use my drifter. If you leave it up in too high of a wind you will stretch it out of shape. It does seem to fill better than the 150 genny in very light air. I also find you have to use lighter jib sheets as the ones for my genny are to heavy and prevent the drifter from filling in very light air. I would recommend one if you get alot of light wind in your area-say under 5-7mph. If not, try for a used one.
Hardly use my drifter. If you leave it up in too high of a wind you will stretch it out of shape. It does seem to fill better than the 150 genny in very light air. I also find you have to use lighter jib sheets as the ones for my genny are to heavy and prevent the drifter from filling in very light air. I would recommend one if you get alot of light wind in your area-say under 5-7mph. If not, try for a used one.
Code 0
Does anyone make "drifters" or "screechers" anymore? I know of which you speak, but I would bet your sailmaker might call it a "Code Zero" these days? Just semantics, but good to all get on the same page. Boat I race on has a Code Zero and it ROCKS in really light breeze. Other option might be to get a super light 155? Cool topic
Bill
Does anyone make "drifters" or "screechers" anymore? I know of which you speak, but I would bet your sailmaker might call it a "Code Zero" these days? Just semantics, but good to all get on the same page. Boat I race on has a Code Zero and it ROCKS in really light breeze. Other option might be to get a super light 155? Cool topic
BillRace or Cruise
What is the difference between a racing sail and a cruising sail. OK a racing sail cost more, so will I go faster?
What is the difference between a racing sail and a cruising sail. OK a racing sail cost more, so will I go faster?
racing vs cruising sails
Ron, there can be many differences-to maximize performance: the racing code zero wouldn't have the taffeta (weight), would be glued instead of sewn, and may have been laminated on a mold as a single assembly instead of cut out of cloth sections (better shape, less weight). racing sails are also usually more purpose built- I carry the UPS and a Doyle APC (assym chute)-a racing boat might cover the same wind angle and speed range with 6 or 8 specialized sails, and the crew to quickly change them! Materials also go up in price-maybe carbon fiber instead of pentex....
Ron, there can be many differences-to maximize performance: the racing code zero wouldn't have the taffeta (weight), would be glued instead of sewn, and may have been laminated on a mold as a single assembly instead of cut out of cloth sections (better shape, less weight). racing sails are also usually more purpose built- I carry the UPS and a Doyle APC (assym chute)-a racing boat might cover the same wind angle and speed range with 6 or 8 specialized sails, and the crew to quickly change them! Materials also go up in price-maybe carbon fiber instead of pentex....
Racing and Cruising Sails
Racing sails usually have a relatively flat 'entry' (the shape of the leading edge luff0. Such sails will be very unstable outside of the very narrow angle of attack that is required to keep them stable --- requiring almost constant trimming. Cruising sails typically have a 'rounded entry' and can be flown at a wider tolerance range of attack angles, are more stable, and require much less constant trimming. The differences are mostly in the amount of 'forgiveness' in the amount of trimming due to chiefly the shape of the leading edge /luff. The Racing sail is usually very unstable outside of the very narrow designed angle of attack - a precise sail that requires agressive trimming, ..... the cruising sail will be stable over a very larger range of attack angles - sloppy.
Racing sails usually have a relatively flat 'entry' (the shape of the leading edge luff0. Such sails will be very unstable outside of the very narrow angle of attack that is required to keep them stable --- requiring almost constant trimming. Cruising sails typically have a 'rounded entry' and can be flown at a wider tolerance range of attack angles, are more stable, and require much less constant trimming. The differences are mostly in the amount of 'forgiveness' in the amount of trimming due to chiefly the shape of the leading edge /luff. The Racing sail is usually very unstable outside of the very narrow designed angle of attack - a precise sail that requires agressive trimming, ..... the cruising sail will be stable over a very larger range of attack angles - sloppy.
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