I want to prurchase a Dacron 155 % Genoa for club racing. The sail would be used for racing only in light wind conditions. It would not be used in winds over 8 mph. I have different inputs from different people. Basically I want to know how light can I go, and what clew height would work best, and should I go with the max LP for the 155% ? The main thing I am trying to accomplish is a sail that will work in those quiet days.
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Head sail
Joe, on my old 31' we went with a 155%. But I went with 2 different Kevlar's. Light Air & Heavy. The nice thing about the plastic sails they hold shape in light air. But so will a dacron for a year our two. We even use to have A guy with a 34' that went with a 165%. It seems that this Hunter model is head sail driven for speed.If you want more info Email me rodsails@comcast.net
Joe, on my old 31' we went with a 155%. But I went with 2 different Kevlar's. Light Air & Heavy. The nice thing about the plastic sails they hold shape in light air. But so will a dacron for a year our two. We even use to have A guy with a 34' that went with a 165%. It seems that this Hunter model is head sail driven for speed.If you want more info Email me rodsails@comcast.net
Light air headsails
Hi Jim, Rod has some good input for you. Basically, what we look at when proposing sail choices are, Type of boat, Racing Conditions, what your competition is using, and very important-your budget. The Max LP will depend on your local PHRF rules, but overlap has a definite advantage. There are some very good high-end race Dacrons, that can be more expensive than polyester Laminate fabrics. Kevlar and Carbon Fiber are excellent choices for light air performance and shape retention but are more expensive. If used for racing only and with proper care, a Laminate will give you better performance and as long a racing life as Dacron, maybe more.
Hi Jim, Rod has some good input for you. Basically, what we look at when proposing sail choices are, Type of boat, Racing Conditions, what your competition is using, and very important-your budget. The Max LP will depend on your local PHRF rules, but overlap has a definite advantage. There are some very good high-end race Dacrons, that can be more expensive than polyester Laminate fabrics. Kevlar and Carbon Fiber are excellent choices for light air performance and shape retention but are more expensive. If used for racing only and with proper care, a Laminate will give you better performance and as long a racing life as Dacron, maybe more.
Missed my question
I said, " I will be purchasing a dacron for club racing, (beer can racing). I only want to know what design (low clew or high clew) how light of material can I go with. Remember, I want the sail for those quiet days when a heavy sail hangs like a rag. Do I go with the maximun LP for my PHRF rule which is 18.6 ft.
I said, " I will be purchasing a dacron for club racing, (beer can racing). I only want to know what design (low clew or high clew) how light of material can I go with. Remember, I want the sail for those quiet days when a heavy sail hangs like a rag. Do I go with the maximun LP for my PHRF rule which is 18.6 ft.
Go With a Deck Sweeper
For a racing sail go with a "deck sweeper". The high clew is essentially for rough weather and for visibility. Editorial comments: New sail - treat it kindly. Don't overload it. You'll really like how it drives the boat but if the wind pipes up take it down and do a sail change. Consider the other types of fabrics besides Dacron and consider low-stretch longevity and maybe even the difficulty of doing a recut later. Check sheeting angle to ensure the genoa car will still be on the existing track when adjusted for higher winds.
For a racing sail go with a "deck sweeper". The high clew is essentially for rough weather and for visibility. Editorial comments: New sail - treat it kindly. Don't overload it. You'll really like how it drives the boat but if the wind pipes up take it down and do a sail change. Consider the other types of fabrics besides Dacron and consider low-stretch longevity and maybe even the difficulty of doing a recut later. Check sheeting angle to ensure the genoa car will still be on the existing track when adjusted for higher winds.
missed question
Johns reply is very good advice. How light you go will also depend on how long the sail will last. Max LP and Low Clew are right on. For a true Drifter you could go as light a 2.1oz Polyester(Dacron)spinnaker Fabric. Once again John is right on in stating that as soon as your AWS starts to increase you take the chance of over stressing the sail and will need to do a headsail change. A 3.3 Dacron Genoa fabric is the next step up. My advice is to speak with your Sailmaker and discuss your parameters and budget and he can recommend the best sail and fabric to meet your budget and needs.
Johns reply is very good advice. How light you go will also depend on how long the sail will last. Max LP and Low Clew are right on. For a true Drifter you could go as light a 2.1oz Polyester(Dacron)spinnaker Fabric. Once again John is right on in stating that as soon as your AWS starts to increase you take the chance of over stressing the sail and will need to do a headsail change. A 3.3 Dacron Genoa fabric is the next step up. My advice is to speak with your Sailmaker and discuss your parameters and budget and he can recommend the best sail and fabric to meet your budget and needs.
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