Headsail size on the Chesapeake Bay?

[Justin4192]

Hi everyone, I bought a nice 1982 Catalina 25 early last month and have been putting in a lot of work cleaning and fixing things up. Last weekend I took it out for the first time and my headsail began ripping more after I had some previous tears repaired by a sailmaker. It's the original furler genoa 150% and I'm planning to just go ahead and replace it. I'm new to sailing and wanted to get some fellow Chesapeake Bay sailors' opionions on which size of genoa I should buy. Some people are saying I should get a 135% as a compromise between high winds and low winds. Can anyone who sails on the Chesapeake please recommend what would be my best option? Also, this will be my only headsail. Thanks,Justin

 

[Warren Milberg]

Either...

... a 135 or 150 would work nicely. I think the key is having a good furler/reefing system and a sail with a foam luff and foot and leech controls. I use a 150 on my Hunter 28.5 and with a full main, I can sail it on the Bay in winds up to about 15-16 kts. At that point, I've got to reduce sail by either reefing the main, or furling up some genoa. I usually choose furling the genoa as I sail alone a lot and it's easier. My boat continues to get "good enough" upwind performance with a furled headsail-- and I've furled my headsail up to 50 per cent at times. Since the winds are very strong at those times, furling the sail tightly is easy and that results in decent performance. Don't think you would go wrong with either sail, but the 150 may be a better choice for all those light winds days we get here in mid-summer.

 

[Bob]

Yes

The 135 is a real good size for the Bay. When the wind is really up you can reef it down to about 100 and it will still do the job. The rest of the time, unless you are racing someone down wind or in super light air, you won't be able to tell the difference. In fact, it will shape so much better than your worn out 150 that it will actually perform noticeably better. It will tack more easily, reach and beat better, and give you a little better visibility. Plus, it will cost a little less than a 150 would.

 

[Jared]

135

We had a 135 on our Catalina 25 and it worked well. Also, for the light days, had a drifter or assym spin to take advantage of those August 2 knot days. Post the question on the C25/C250 website, you will get best boat specific advise. Enjoy. www.catalina25-250.org/forum

 

[FrankR]

I have a 135 on my C250

Sometimes it's too big and sometimes it's too small - but most of the time - it's just right.

 

[Paul M]

Size of sails

While I don't have a catalina 25, I do have friends who do. I also have been sailin on the bay for over 20 years. I receommed 155%. The light winds more than out number the heavy and that way you'll do more sailing than powering.