Genoa Dimensions Beneteau First 40.7

David in Sandusky · Jun 14, 2020

I’d start with a sailmaker. Their advice is free, and I have found it quite valuable. Having selected a professional I trust, I can go to him with any questions I have over the 20 years since we first met. He knows I’m a cruiser, knows my boat, and is always very helpful. His wisdom and advice have been well worth the small price differential between his loft and lower price alternatives.

Joe · Jun 14, 2020

If you're going to use a local sailmaker, they'll take care of all that at the consultation. They will come to the boat to take measurements. Buying sails online or from out of area lofts will require you taking your own measurements... then relaying them to the loft along with specific attributes you may want... i.e. the clew height, the total hoist. cloth type and cut, etc... These type of lofts will provide you with a worksheet so there will be no misunderstanding about method and terms in the process.

SoSound · Jun 14, 2020

Neil Pryde Sails handles the OEM sails for Beneteau in the US. Their technical director used to be very active on this forum, but I haven't seen him on here for a long time. They may be helpful. They should certainly be knowledgeable about your vessel! As much as I like him, and the sails that I have, I've always had problems with their web site. Maybe it's because I'm a Mac user... Neil Pryde International Sails

bob_pattison · Jun 24, 2020

Martec said:
Good morning everybody.
I am looking to buy a Genoa for my Beneteau First 40.7. I am thinking about a 135% Genoa. The Genoa that I use now has quite a high clew and I would like my new Genoa to have a slightly lower clew. Does anybody have information about the various designs available? Can somebody maybe point me in the right direction? It would be great if I could find a list with various designs and dimensions like the luff, leech, foot, LP and M² of the genoa.
Thanks
Marcel

Hi Marcel,
Lot's of questions to answer your questions:
1. Are you racing / cruising?
2. Planning to sail offshore?
3. Planning to do extensive (point south) cruising?
4. Which model year is the 40.7?

The clew height is dependent on track location, rig geometry and what it is you want to do with the sail (cruising/racing)
Typically 135% will have higher clews to allow them to continue to sheet to the track should you reef the sail. And also with most above deck furlers you won't see the clew below the tack, so we start wit the tack up some 15-18 off the bow...and with a bit of sheer the clew even if at the same height as the tack will be maybe 20" off the deck...this all before putting any rise in the clew for track location or other reasons.
Also, I would not go smaller than 135% for good upwind performance...so if you are racing and cruising, then a bigger headsail will help to point higher (because of the improved sheeting angle) and you can always furl to shorten sail should you need to.

Those would be my general observations and then I would have to ask about budget as this is often a primary consideration for the customer, as sailcloth can range from $12.50 per yard to $60.00 per yard for a genoa of this type...and you can image the impact this makes on the final cost!!
Bob Pattison
Neil Pryde Sails Int

Joe · Jun 25, 2020

Martec said:
Hi Joe. That is the whole issue. I live on Malta and there are no sail makers on the island. My best option would be to sail to Sicily. We have some businesses that partnered up with sail makers like Elvstrøm but that doesn't really help. In the mean time I have sent a request for info and advise to Elvstrøm, Doyle and Sisail. The last two are sail makers on Sicily. Thanks

Thanks for the heads up.... Your situation is a perfect example of why so many lofts will advise you on how to take your own measurements. You tell them what you're looking for, the sailmakers will send you a check list with instructions on how to properly measure the boat. BTW I would love to visit Malta and that part of the world... so much history!