I have a question about head sail names. I am getting back into sailing. When I used to be into it in the 70's and 80's, we all referred to the jibs as a working jib, A 110. A 135 and so on. I was pulling the sails out of my (new to me) boat to measure them because the sail bags are not marked as to size of sail. There is one bag that says "Main Lapper" I never remembered using that term. Would a Main lapper be the 110 out of a set of, a jib, 110, and a 135? I know what determines the foot length / j measure. Just want to know what the term main lapper means. Thanks.
Lapper sail
- Thread starter Scampardo
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In several decades I have always seen "lapper" used to designate a jib that slightly overlaps, i.e. is over 100% of LP.
On my boats this was usually about a 110, or working jib.
On our smaller boats, we would have that size for most of our sailing and a 150% for really light air days.
L
On my boats this was usually about a 110, or working jib.
On our smaller boats, we would have that size for most of our sailing and a 150% for really light air days.
L
I have a sail that I carry aboard my boat that is a 100. It was originally a lapper for a Hunter 34. I had luff tape put on it so I could use it on my rig. It fit perfectly on my boat and the cut is great for heavy wind. My Uncle called it a Bermuda cut because it has a really high clew. I can fly that and a full main and be very comfortable in 15 knots.
I think a lapper is a sail for heavier winds that has a high clew.
I think a lapper is a sail for heavier winds that has a high clew.
Ok, thanks. That makes sense. Raining out today or I'd go measure them. Maybe in the family room. I'm sure the wife won't mind.
Yep, understood that part. But this is labeled "Main lapper" So i guess its the 110. Unless you sail in primarily light air where you would mainly use your 150, then that one might be the main lapper. I'm guessing it's the 110.
#1 = genoa.... your largest upwind sail
#2 = lapper.... your intermediate sized upwind sail
#3 = blade.... your smallest upwind sail...often called a working jib...
#4 = storm jib....
In general, there is no mandated size number attached to these names....it depends on the make up of your sail inventory. It's more of a category.
In addition, race boats and offshore cruisers will often carry different weights and/or cuts of these sails. For instance, a heavy #1 medium cut, or lightweight #2 decksweeper.... would indicate the clothweight and special cut in the genoa or lapper that was appropriate for a particular condition. It is my understanding that most racing classes will limit the number of sails allowed for a particular race... so sail selection becomes an important strategy in that scenario.
As far as attaching a size number (110, 135, 150 etc.) to each category, there is no mandate.... but if you would consider my boat typical for this area, the upwind sail inventory is:
#1 genoa is 140% (size), medium weight (5.5 oz), decksweeper (low clew),
#2 lapper is 125%, light weight (3.5 oz) medium cut(medium clew height)
#3 blade is 110%, medium weight (5.5 oz) high clew (my favorite sail when single handing_
#4 storm jib ... don't have one (san diego, remember) but if I did it would probably be 70%, 8oz, high cut, preferably on an inner forestay.
I like the terms ... blade, genoa, lapper.... but I don't have them written on the sail bag... I simply have the number and the size.... so that's what I'll tell the crew when calling for a change.
There's no wrong or right way.. as long as the crew understands the call.
#2 = lapper.... your intermediate sized upwind sail
#3 = blade.... your smallest upwind sail...often called a working jib...
#4 = storm jib....
In general, there is no mandated size number attached to these names....it depends on the make up of your sail inventory. It's more of a category.
In addition, race boats and offshore cruisers will often carry different weights and/or cuts of these sails. For instance, a heavy #1 medium cut, or lightweight #2 decksweeper.... would indicate the clothweight and special cut in the genoa or lapper that was appropriate for a particular condition. It is my understanding that most racing classes will limit the number of sails allowed for a particular race... so sail selection becomes an important strategy in that scenario.
As far as attaching a size number (110, 135, 150 etc.) to each category, there is no mandate.... but if you would consider my boat typical for this area, the upwind sail inventory is:
#1 genoa is 140% (size), medium weight (5.5 oz), decksweeper (low clew),
#2 lapper is 125%, light weight (3.5 oz) medium cut(medium clew height)
#3 blade is 110%, medium weight (5.5 oz) high clew (my favorite sail when single handing_
#4 storm jib ... don't have one (san diego, remember) but if I did it would probably be 70%, 8oz, high cut, preferably on an inner forestay.
I like the terms ... blade, genoa, lapper.... but I don't have them written on the sail bag... I simply have the number and the size.... so that's what I'll tell the crew when calling for a change.
There's no wrong or right way.. as long as the crew understands the call.
Remember a headsail's size is defined by the relationship between the sail's Luff Perpendicular (LP) measurement and the boat's "J" dimension.
For that reason, even a 100% sail wil overlap the mast, if the clew is high cut.
If these terms are confusing, try googiling "sail measurement"
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Ok, thanks. I just wanted some kind of idea what that term meant. None of the other bags are marked. My other boats sail bags were always marked jib, 110, 150. I'll measure these out when the grass dries and mark them. Thank you for the info.
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