What sail cloth weight would you suggest for a 150% genoa sailing on the Hudson River? We may go into the Sound or the Lakes at some point in the next year or so. Thanks.
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Not a sail expert.
Luke: I think that this is best evaluated by a LOCAL Sailmaker for their opinion. A lot has to do with the prevaling conditions in your area. If you sail in FL. you would probably go with a lighter weight sail than if you sail in the San Francisco bay. If you race or if you just cruise is also going to make a difference.
Luke: I think that this is best evaluated by a LOCAL Sailmaker for their opinion. A lot has to do with the prevaling conditions in your area. If you sail in FL. you would probably go with a lighter weight sail than if you sail in the San Francisco bay. If you race or if you just cruise is also going to make a difference.
How Often to Replace Sail?
In addition to what Steve said, I'd like to add it also depends what kind of fabric is selected and how often you'd like to buy a new sail. For a given type of fabric the sailmaker will recommend a weight for the sail. On my new main and jib I opted for the next heavier weight because the (1) the sail area was at the upper end of the weight range on each sail, and, (2) I wanted these to last a long time without getting blown out. Since I'm not a club racer, although I participate in some races, I'm not looking for every last ounce of weight saving aloft. The heavier fabric is definitely notible when hoisting the main, along with the new full battens, but what a beautiful shape compared to the old sails! Also, the main has three reefs so the heavier fabric is good for this also. The jib is a "reefing" jib and I selected foam pads. Ironically, because of the better sail shape I don't have to reef as often. If you order spreader chafe protection make sure it provides protection both with and without the cunningham "on". Another reason for the slightly heavier weight is it allows one to sail through those few times where you know you're going to get hit (unless it's really bad), like comming around a point, and don't want to reef for just a short distance. It allows one to just pinch and round up when you see the gust comming.
In addition to what Steve said, I'd like to add it also depends what kind of fabric is selected and how often you'd like to buy a new sail. For a given type of fabric the sailmaker will recommend a weight for the sail. On my new main and jib I opted for the next heavier weight because the (1) the sail area was at the upper end of the weight range on each sail, and, (2) I wanted these to last a long time without getting blown out. Since I'm not a club racer, although I participate in some races, I'm not looking for every last ounce of weight saving aloft. The heavier fabric is definitely notible when hoisting the main, along with the new full battens, but what a beautiful shape compared to the old sails! Also, the main has three reefs so the heavier fabric is good for this also. The jib is a "reefing" jib and I selected foam pads. Ironically, because of the better sail shape I don't have to reef as often. If you order spreader chafe protection make sure it provides protection both with and without the cunningham "on". Another reason for the slightly heavier weight is it allows one to sail through those few times where you know you're going to get hit (unless it's really bad), like comming around a point, and don't want to reef for just a short distance. It allows one to just pinch and round up when you see the gust comming.
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