Need Advise for a New Genoa

[Jeff]

I'm about to install my new roller furling setup on my Mac 26S and I need some advice with a good sail loft. I know this site offers headsails built for Macs but I've always been of the mindset, never purchase important things before doing my research. Which manufacturer do you all recommend and why? And would you recommend a 130% or 150%? What are the pluses and minuses between the two sizes? What I do know is that I will need a #5 tape to fit my Schaefer 700. From what I hear not too many sails out there come with #5 tape, so I would probably be out of luck finding a good used Genoa. Is that right? I'll be doing most my sailing in the Chesapeake.

 

[Greg]

Head Sail

If the winds in your area are light most of the time go for the 150%. By light I mean rarely over 10 knots. If you tend to usually have heavier winds, go for the 130%. You can roller reef, but after rolling in about 10% the luff gets baggy, Not what you want. If the wind tends to be all over the place, go with the 130% and get a crusing spinnaker latter. If you do go for the 150%, think about a small (100% to 75%) head sail for your inventory.

 

[Jeff]

Head Sail - Average Wind 7-10 knots (so far)

Greg,I'm new to this area, so I'm not sure of the average wind speeds. So far I've seen 4 knots to about 17-18 knots(rare occasion). I guess the average I've seen, which doesn't account for much time, is 7-10 knots.--Anyone out there have a better grasp of average wind speeds on the Chesapeake, Spring, Summer, Fall?Is there a sail loft that you would recommend?

 

[J. Barrett]

What part of the Bay

Jeff, What part of the Bay? It is a lare body of water and, believe it or not, there can be a significant difference in average wind for any given area. I sail predominantly in the Western Bay from the Bay Bridge south to Thomas Point. Average wind there is the 7-10 kts that you refer to. Even there, it depends on the wind direction as to what you get. Closer to the western shore gets better wind, which seems odd since most of the time the wind is from the west. I've headed out from my slip on Kent Island with maybe 2 kts and seen boats on the west side with full sails at 10+ kts. I can't speak for the Eastern Bay since I haven't gotten around there yet. If I was planning on new sails I would figure on a happy medium of 12 kts as an average. I carry the factory jib and a 150 Genoa on my M25. I still consider myself a novice (and my crew is definately novice) and don't go out much when it is really kicking. We're working up to it. I'm content with the sails I have for now. Happy sailing. -John

 

[Jeff]

The West River - Head Sail

I'm off the West River. I had been toying with the idea of a 130 based on a couple of personal recomendations, but I wanted to see what others thought and were using.Based on the two suggestions here, it seems the 130 is the way to go..