How many sails do you have in your sail inventory? Do you get by with a basic main and jib for all situations, or do you also have a spinnaker at your disposal? Maybe you've got a working jib plus one or more genoas for different conditions? Anybody out there with a cutter, ketch or yawl with needs for staysails and mizzens as well as a main and a jib? Do you mess around with sails of different weights for heavy and light air conditions? Do you enjoy swapping sails out on the water, or do you have a full sail inventory but mostly use a basic two? If you were going to buy another sail, what would it be? Share your thoughts on sail inventories and be sure to vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
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4 + Main
This is for an '88 Hunter 35 Legend: 70% Storm Jib - Lidgard, with high clew 110% - North. Fabric is next heavier weight than what would be "standard", crosscut Dacron. 150% (nominal, actually 152%) - tri-radial Norlam. Spinnaker, tri-radial 3/4 oz North. Main, Dacron crosscut full batten with three reefs, North. Fabric is the next heavier weight than what would be standard. The decision to change sails is based on the amount of effort required vs. perceived benefit. Considered installing an inner stay. If I were going to buy another sail it would be a close reaching asymmetrical. Don't really *enjoy* swapping sails out on the water but we've done it. I have a removable pre-feeder for the Hood foil so it's easier to hoist without jamming in the luff grouve. I've changed headsails single-handed but it's a lot more work than with someone to help. Thoughts: This, plus the asymmetrical, would be a good inventory for all types of sailing. We sail a lot when others are motoring yet overall we still make pretty good time. Some times we've actually passed other sail boats which are motoring (this is sweet!). Having reef points and the storm jib is a safety factor, too.
This is for an '88 Hunter 35 Legend: 70% Storm Jib - Lidgard, with high clew 110% - North. Fabric is next heavier weight than what would be "standard", crosscut Dacron. 150% (nominal, actually 152%) - tri-radial Norlam. Spinnaker, tri-radial 3/4 oz North. Main, Dacron crosscut full batten with three reefs, North. Fabric is the next heavier weight than what would be standard. The decision to change sails is based on the amount of effort required vs. perceived benefit. Considered installing an inner stay. If I were going to buy another sail it would be a close reaching asymmetrical. Don't really *enjoy* swapping sails out on the water but we've done it. I have a removable pre-feeder for the Hood foil so it's easier to hoist without jamming in the luff grouve. I've changed headsails single-handed but it's a lot more work than with someone to help. Thoughts: This, plus the asymmetrical, would be a good inventory for all types of sailing. We sail a lot when others are motoring yet overall we still make pretty good time. Some times we've actually passed other sail boats which are motoring (this is sweet!). Having reef points and the storm jib is a safety factor, too.
Sail Swaps
With our Catalina 25, we had two hanked on jibs, an 85 and a 110. When I was in New Zealand years ago, I learned how to set up both for quick changes. We used the 85 during the summers on SF Bay, and the 100 during the lighter breezes of winter. When we took her out on the ocean, I set up both for quick changes. With our C34, we also have the same two sized sails, but with roller furling. For cruising during the summer we use the 85, 110 during the winter. For summer racing we leave the 100 on, while the competition uses their 130s. While our marina is always downwind, we're never in a hurry to get home, so haven't invested in any kind of chutes.
With our Catalina 25, we had two hanked on jibs, an 85 and a 110. When I was in New Zealand years ago, I learned how to set up both for quick changes. We used the 85 during the summers on SF Bay, and the 100 during the lighter breezes of winter. When we took her out on the ocean, I set up both for quick changes. With our C34, we also have the same two sized sails, but with roller furling. For cruising during the summer we use the 85, 110 during the winter. For summer racing we leave the 100 on, while the competition uses their 130s. While our marina is always downwind, we're never in a hurry to get home, so haven't invested in any kind of chutes.
Cruising Setup
Our H420 is set up for cruising... 110 Roller Furling Jib. In mast furling Main. 56 HP Yanmar Iron Genny. When cruising all points are upwind therefore the Iron Genny is sometimes the most used. Bill Bell
Our H420 is set up for cruising... 110 Roller Furling Jib. In mast furling Main. 56 HP Yanmar Iron Genny. When cruising all points are upwind therefore the Iron Genny is sometimes the most used. Bill Bell
Main, Roller furled 110, Asymetric
The more I learn, the more I am convinced this is the best cruising set-up for one mast. Above 10-12 knots, the 110 is the right foresail for working close to the wind - our 130 is just too much sail as the wind increases, and loses shape as we furl it. Above 15 knots, we are sure glad to have the 110, which can be reefed down to an 85 - again with some loss of shape. But at around 85, with a second reef in the main, we are quite comfortable at 30 knots. Below 10 knots, the large genny is the best sail for close hauled beating into the wind. But I submit that this is seldom needed in the cruising world. So I see the big genny as a racing sail for working to the windward mark in light air. Going to windward in less than 7 knots means the iron genny for most cruising work. Like many good cruising boats, our shoal draft '77 h27 doesn't do well close hauled to windward without lots of rail meat. With just the Admiral and me, 60 degrees off the wind is about as close as we sail. At 60 degrees off the wind in light air, our asymetric is easily as good as a big genny. and as we ease off further, the asymetric becomes much better. (There is no way to sheet a 130 wide enough to keep it efficient on a beam reach.) We find that gybing down wind is much faster than running (which conforms to the advice of most sailing experts.) The asymetric is still a great sail at 145 degrees off the wind. The last point is that both roller furled 110 the asymetric with its sock are easy and quick sails to set. Both can be rigged and ready to deploy at the same time. I almost never hear of our cruising friends changing foresails, even when they desparately need to as the wind picks up. On a recent downwind (gybing) run from Ashtabula to Erie in mounting winds, we just dropped the sock on the asymetric, and unfurled the 110 after the first round-up. We were at or over hull speed the whole time. Our friends accompanying us were struggling to manage their 155, and not keeping up despite a longer waterline. All of our sails are from Doyle. I rate the advice of Greg Koski in their Cleveland loft very high. He listened to our plans to cruise (not race) and recommended a multi year program to get to our current sails. So I recommend working with a knowledgeable saimaker to decide on the right set-up for your boat. W e also have a 130, that we almost never use. (Although I should have had it up for one close-hauled end of a leg across Lake Erie to Port Bruce in June.) David Lady Lillie
The more I learn, the more I am convinced this is the best cruising set-up for one mast. Above 10-12 knots, the 110 is the right foresail for working close to the wind - our 130 is just too much sail as the wind increases, and loses shape as we furl it. Above 15 knots, we are sure glad to have the 110, which can be reefed down to an 85 - again with some loss of shape. But at around 85, with a second reef in the main, we are quite comfortable at 30 knots. Below 10 knots, the large genny is the best sail for close hauled beating into the wind. But I submit that this is seldom needed in the cruising world. So I see the big genny as a racing sail for working to the windward mark in light air. Going to windward in less than 7 knots means the iron genny for most cruising work. Like many good cruising boats, our shoal draft '77 h27 doesn't do well close hauled to windward without lots of rail meat. With just the Admiral and me, 60 degrees off the wind is about as close as we sail. At 60 degrees off the wind in light air, our asymetric is easily as good as a big genny. and as we ease off further, the asymetric becomes much better. (There is no way to sheet a 130 wide enough to keep it efficient on a beam reach.) We find that gybing down wind is much faster than running (which conforms to the advice of most sailing experts.) The asymetric is still a great sail at 145 degrees off the wind. The last point is that both roller furled 110 the asymetric with its sock are easy and quick sails to set. Both can be rigged and ready to deploy at the same time. I almost never hear of our cruising friends changing foresails, even when they desparately need to as the wind picks up. On a recent downwind (gybing) run from Ashtabula to Erie in mounting winds, we just dropped the sock on the asymetric, and unfurled the 110 after the first round-up. We were at or over hull speed the whole time. Our friends accompanying us were struggling to manage their 155, and not keeping up despite a longer waterline. All of our sails are from Doyle. I rate the advice of Greg Koski in their Cleveland loft very high. He listened to our plans to cruise (not race) and recommended a multi year program to get to our current sails. So I recommend working with a knowledgeable saimaker to decide on the right set-up for your boat. W e also have a 130, that we almost never use. (Although I should have had it up for one close-hauled end of a leg across Lake Erie to Port Bruce in June.) David Lady Lillie
4 sails
That's how many came with the boat, a Capri 22. For the short, generally good weather daysails that I do, that's plenty. There's a 155 genoa, a smaller jib (100, I think?), a main with a reef point, and an asymetrical. As mentioned by others, the iron jib sees a bit of use as well, when it's been a long day of sailing in the hot sun and home is upwind (or the wind died). I do try to avoid using it though, after all it is a sailboat.
That's how many came with the boat, a Capri 22. For the short, generally good weather daysails that I do, that's plenty. There's a 155 genoa, a smaller jib (100, I think?), a main with a reef point, and an asymetrical. As mentioned by others, the iron jib sees a bit of use as well, when it's been a long day of sailing in the hot sun and home is upwind (or the wind died). I do try to avoid using it though, after all it is a sailboat.
More Choices Now
My Mac 21 came with a mainsail and a small jib designed for the original fractional rig. I bought a Mac 19 jib that fills the foretriangle completely and provides more "ommpfff" - just bought a used Genoa for the light air so now I have 3 choices for headsails, depending on the wind conditions.
My Mac 21 came with a mainsail and a small jib designed for the original fractional rig. I bought a Mac 19 jib that fills the foretriangle completely and provides more "ommpfff" - just bought a used Genoa for the light air so now I have 3 choices for headsails, depending on the wind conditions.
Mac 19 does is spinnaker challanged.
I have the usual sails, but no spinnaker. The Mac 19 does not have the hardware and/or I think I am too old to handle one. My 150 geona gives me just about all the sail I can handle. Ron
I have the usual sails, but no spinnaker. The Mac 19 does not have the hardware and/or I think I am too old to handle one. My 150 geona gives me just about all the sail I can handle. Ron
Preferred Sails
While the boat is outfitted with the three basic sails, the preferred sails are the main and the genoa.
While the boat is outfitted with the three basic sails, the preferred sails are the main and the genoa.
Sail inventory
I have an assymetrical spinnaker, which we use on lighter days. Otherwise it's the working jib on the CDI furler and the main. I bought a genoa (used), but I doubt if it'll get much use as the First Mate doesn't appreciate very much heel. At least not yet.
I have an assymetrical spinnaker, which we use on lighter days. Otherwise it's the working jib on the CDI furler and the main. I bought a genoa (used), but I doubt if it'll get much use as the First Mate doesn't appreciate very much heel. At least not yet.
"LAST! NOT ANYMORE" More new sails coming
I had a 140% Genoa and the main that came with the boat which we purchased 3 years ago a 1987-88 oday 322 "nice craft". The sails were original. My wife and I were mostly interested in cruising with two dogs and the two of us up and down the norththumberland straight between Nova Scotia and PEI "great place". Which is why we purchase this boat, a little heaver than normal boats but good in heaver weather. Now on wed nights there is white sail racing at the Pictou Yacht Club, which we like to support. We weight 10500 the next boat to us weight 8300 "we need wind" 15knots is best. Most times were last across the line at lease for the last two years. I'm 48 and I've pulled ropes, charted, begged, borrowed, stowaway since I was 15 on any boat. "and always kept dreaming of owning my own boat". Well now I do, my wife Diane "she's great" said 30 years is enough go buy a boat. For the last two years I've been questioning my sailing skill set, because we were always last. NOT Any More. I believed/felt it was the sails and not my skill set. The old sails didn't look bad but I had a feeling. The boat is a mask head so the power is in the Genoa, replacing that one made sense to me. Replace that one first money doesn't grow on trees. So I did. I purchase a Mylar/Kevlar/pentex 149%. my buddy and I put it up and went for a tryout "WHAT A DIFFERENCE" You could feel it in the wheel right off. NOW we have had a couple no starts since the new sail (1) wind came up to 31 knots and had to role it in a bit with a reef. so this one didn't count (2)no wind going great at first and then no wind DNF. This doesn't count BUT: two good races since the new Genoa last wed night we had a fair start and crossed the start at the same time as three others. WE were in the lead the whole race the team, two friends and myself working like dogs. we all just looked at each other, when we had a chance "in Amazement". we ended up with Line Rights, 3rd in corrected, beat a friend which was my goal for this year. Yes in one race "life is good" 2nd of 4 with new sail My lodge, was having a fund raiser at another club 7 to 8 hours up the coast. they lined up corporate sponsors and people paid to crew. So we went this pasted fri we sailed up 6.5hours and got ready for sat race. A friend that had sailed on our boat before was drawn as crew him and his wife. We tested the line for speed/tack/angle two or three times in warm up. My error I was off on my timing when gun went tacked and went for the line. Wind 15 knots steady. We went across the start boat number 11 out of 21 "not Good". We started passing boats just after the first mark. It took that long to get to clean air. Each boat just in front of us, we planned executed the takeover and did so. We climbed up the pack so there was only two boats ahead of us and there was no more race course. We took line rights of third. unbelievable. There is a new main coming for next year and maybe a spinn. That should that should clean up any misgivings of questioning my sailing skill set. sorry for the length but had to get it off my chest. Wednesday's coming look out! Kind Regards Sandy
I had a 140% Genoa and the main that came with the boat which we purchased 3 years ago a 1987-88 oday 322 "nice craft". The sails were original. My wife and I were mostly interested in cruising with two dogs and the two of us up and down the norththumberland straight between Nova Scotia and PEI "great place". Which is why we purchase this boat, a little heaver than normal boats but good in heaver weather. Now on wed nights there is white sail racing at the Pictou Yacht Club, which we like to support. We weight 10500 the next boat to us weight 8300 "we need wind" 15knots is best. Most times were last across the line at lease for the last two years. I'm 48 and I've pulled ropes, charted, begged, borrowed, stowaway since I was 15 on any boat. "and always kept dreaming of owning my own boat". Well now I do, my wife Diane "she's great" said 30 years is enough go buy a boat. For the last two years I've been questioning my sailing skill set, because we were always last. NOT Any More. I believed/felt it was the sails and not my skill set. The old sails didn't look bad but I had a feeling. The boat is a mask head so the power is in the Genoa, replacing that one made sense to me. Replace that one first money doesn't grow on trees. So I did. I purchase a Mylar/Kevlar/pentex 149%. my buddy and I put it up and went for a tryout "WHAT A DIFFERENCE" You could feel it in the wheel right off. NOW we have had a couple no starts since the new sail (1) wind came up to 31 knots and had to role it in a bit with a reef. so this one didn't count (2)no wind going great at first and then no wind DNF. This doesn't count BUT: two good races since the new Genoa last wed night we had a fair start and crossed the start at the same time as three others. WE were in the lead the whole race the team, two friends and myself working like dogs. we all just looked at each other, when we had a chance "in Amazement". we ended up with Line Rights, 3rd in corrected, beat a friend which was my goal for this year. Yes in one race "life is good" 2nd of 4 with new sail My lodge, was having a fund raiser at another club 7 to 8 hours up the coast. they lined up corporate sponsors and people paid to crew. So we went this pasted fri we sailed up 6.5hours and got ready for sat race. A friend that had sailed on our boat before was drawn as crew him and his wife. We tested the line for speed/tack/angle two or three times in warm up. My error I was off on my timing when gun went tacked and went for the line. Wind 15 knots steady. We went across the start boat number 11 out of 21 "not Good". We started passing boats just after the first mark. It took that long to get to clean air. Each boat just in front of us, we planned executed the takeover and did so. We climbed up the pack so there was only two boats ahead of us and there was no more race course. We took line rights of third. unbelievable. There is a new main coming for next year and maybe a spinn. That should that should clean up any misgivings of questioning my sailing skill set. sorry for the length but had to get it off my chest. Wednesday's coming look out! Kind Regards Sandy
The rookie chimes in
Well, this is our first boat (used), and our first season. We have a main (without reef points - ouch!), a jib, a Genoa 150% and a spinnaker. (Do we have a storm sail? Not even sure. Must check.) We've generally been using the Genny, because the wind has been pretty light out on the LI Sound. Have yet to even ATTEMPT the chute... let's get comfortable with each other (us + the boat) before we try that!!! P.S. We don't even have a roller-furler.... we're ROUGHING IT with this boat, and will definately upgrade on the next one!
Well, this is our first boat (used), and our first season. We have a main (without reef points - ouch!), a jib, a Genoa 150% and a spinnaker. (Do we have a storm sail? Not even sure. Must check.) We've generally been using the Genny, because the wind has been pretty light out on the LI Sound. Have yet to even ATTEMPT the chute... let's get comfortable with each other (us + the boat) before we try that!!! P.S. We don't even have a roller-furler.... we're ROUGHING IT with this boat, and will definately upgrade on the next one!
Number of Sails
Our ODay 25 has 3 sails. A fully Battened Main Sail; a Roller Furling 135% Genoa; and a poleless Assymetrical Cruising Spinnaker.
Our ODay 25 has 3 sails. A fully Battened Main Sail; a Roller Furling 135% Genoa; and a poleless Assymetrical Cruising Spinnaker.
Number of sails
Sabre 28 We have 4 sails : 150 Genoa main with two reefing points storm jib drifter(for light winds) This seems to work quite well. I would like to add a spinacker but I don't usually have a need for it.
Sabre 28 We have 4 sails : 150 Genoa main with two reefing points storm jib drifter(for light winds) This seems to work quite well. I would like to add a spinacker but I don't usually have a need for it.
Number of sail
Oceanis 350 Fully battened main w/ two reef points 135 Genoa roller-furled Assymetrical Jib (Genaker) These sails have sufficed for everywhere I've been, so far. Might add a storm jib. Genaker is great for the downwind legs. Had boat over 6kts on Genaker alone!
Oceanis 350 Fully battened main w/ two reef points 135 Genoa roller-furled Assymetrical Jib (Genaker) These sails have sufficed for everywhere I've been, so far. Might add a storm jib. Genaker is great for the downwind legs. Had boat over 6kts on Genaker alone!
well.... 2... gotta do something about that....
I have 2 sails, a main and a jib which I have just re-rigged and its working FAR better.... I am working on getting a large genoa, and spinnaker soon and perhaps that will help some with this atrocious lack of wind down here, we have some very strong currents and going backwards in no fun at all. Cheers!
I have 2 sails, a main and a jib which I have just re-rigged and its working FAR better.... I am working on getting a large genoa, and spinnaker soon and perhaps that will help some with this atrocious lack of wind down here, we have some very strong currents and going backwards in no fun at all. Cheers!
Storm Jib and Spinnaker Budgeted
Just our 150% genoa and 2 point reefable main... so far. Just finished a cruise from Toronto on Lake Ontario up to Gananoque up the St. Lawrence, and back through the Bay of Quinte and the Murray Canal. Excellent time, and the weather was mostly cooperative but we really realized just how much power pulls our sails in a sudden gale and the priceless value of going in a straighter line when you've only got a week! I'm looking for a contact of someone who's just switched over to something new and pretty and has some old friends laying around that might find a new home with me and my Columbia 36...hoistable, hankable or furlable...I'm adaptable...low cost or shipping...erin__carey@hotmail.com
Just our 150% genoa and 2 point reefable main... so far. Just finished a cruise from Toronto on Lake Ontario up to Gananoque up the St. Lawrence, and back through the Bay of Quinte and the Murray Canal. Excellent time, and the weather was mostly cooperative but we really realized just how much power pulls our sails in a sudden gale and the priceless value of going in a straighter line when you've only got a week! I'm looking for a contact of someone who's just switched over to something new and pretty and has some old friends laying around that might find a new home with me and my Columbia 36...hoistable, hankable or furlable...I'm adaptable...low cost or shipping...erin__carey@hotmail.com
main + 3
We've a new double reefed main from Doyle, and a new 150 Genny from the same company. Also have an old 110 and an old working jib. The new sails have made a tremedous difference in our local races. The former main and 150 were quite possibly original equipment on the pre-1972 Aquarius - 21. Will try them out at LOWISA next month. See the link for cruising / racing on one of the prettiest ~large~ lakes in North America
We've a new double reefed main from Doyle, and a new 150 Genny from the same company. Also have an old 110 and an old working jib. The new sails have made a tremedous difference in our local races. The former main and 150 were quite possibly original equipment on the pre-1972 Aquarius - 21. Will try them out at LOWISA next month. See the link for cruising / racing on one of the prettiest ~large~ lakes in North America
maybe a LITTLE pazzaz!!
Sure, I have the main, and I went from a 135% to a 150% roller furler genoa, but I also found and cut down a radial to an asymetrical for a cruising chute, and I messed around and figured out a way to create a much smaller jib for those times when I had to have a lot of the 150 reefed - roller furling being so wonderful at a high percentage reef - which lets me reef deep and stay out. My old Hunter 30 (1982) is still a good solid boat, and stands up well in some wind, so we play a lot!! See you on the Bay!!
Sure, I have the main, and I went from a 135% to a 150% roller furler genoa, but I also found and cut down a radial to an asymetrical for a cruising chute, and I messed around and figured out a way to create a much smaller jib for those times when I had to have a lot of the 150 reefed - roller furling being so wonderful at a high percentage reef - which lets me reef deep and stay out. My old Hunter 30 (1982) is still a good solid boat, and stands up well in some wind, so we play a lot!! See you on the Bay!!
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