Need Advice new 110% vs old 170% Genoa

[jimfrankelly]

I am now racing our 2002 Hunter 270 (same boat as the H260 but a lead keel instead of water ballast) with the 170% Genoa that came with it when I bought it 3 years ago. I am considering replacing it with a 110% Genoa in order to point better as I believe I am traveling further around the race course due to my poor pointing ability with the 170% sheeted outside of the side stays. I will lose downwind speed with the loss of the sail area going to a 110%, but will gain a better phrf, cut my total distance traveled around the course & perform tacks more quickly with the smaller sail. I will lose about 80 square feet of sail or about 20% of existing total sail area (160 square foot mainsail & 234 square feet Genoa going to a 151 square foot 110% Genoa). Will I gain enough to offset the loss of so much sail area ??????

 

[Benny17441]

You seem to have a good handle on the problem. It looks like the PO decided bigger was better but I don't think a 170 genoa is a good fit for your boat. The 110 will allow you to point better, tack quicker and likely provide as much lift. A better phrf will be the icing on the cake.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Benny hit it on the nailhead for alot of reasons and I use to race the 270 and 260 which by the way I introduced and outsold all other dealers. I am retired now and climb mountians instead of sailing.