Sail types - ratio?

[voltzwgn]

Ok I'm sure the question will give it away but I'm pretty new to sailing at leasrat at more than a causal level. So as i read through posts and articles I see references to jibs, gennys and such and then a number say a 100 or 135. I'm not sure what the number is but suspect it's a ratio of square footage to main sail. So am I even close on this or is there some other formula or reason for the numbering.

thanks for any info or if there is good article as an intro to sails that would be great.

 

[packman]

No shame in bein' a nooby, everyone gets to start there, in a year you'll be comfy with the language and ready to learn from these people. There is a reason for the arcana of sheets, halyards sails, etc. when you sail with someone else, telling them to pull on that rope just won't cut it, everyone needs to know which "rope" you're talking about. The 100, 135, 150 stuff is about jib foot length or overlap. A 100% jib will fit between the stem fitting, where the forward or headstay attaches and the mast, with little or no overlap of the mast. As the percentage increases the jib will overlap the mast and the main sail more and more. Thus you arrive at a size expressed in percentages with 100% being the reference. A good way to get a start on learning the language is to get yourself a Chapman Pilot book, it doesn't have to be current, the language is the same but there are lots of books out there that explain things. Good luck


Rich

 

[Merlin Clark]

Percentage of fore triangle which I guess is the same as Mr Packman is saying.
Here's a handy guide for the pieces and parts of a sailboat:

 

[Freedom77]

HI Volzwgn. You can take measurment on your 22. I can't remember what the specs were on our V-22. Fore sails are measured by percentage in relation to fore triangle measurement. "I" is the height from the base of the mast to the top of the forestay. Most Venture/Macs are fractional rigs. "J" is the distance from the base of the mast to the fore chainplate or bowsprit. A standard Mac 25 measure "I" 21 ft. "J" 10 ft +/_. Therefore a 110% working jib is I x J x 110 = 231 sq ft +/-. A 135% Genoa is "I" x "J" x 135 = 284 sq ft +/- and so on. i.e. 180% drifter.Storm staysails can range anywhere down to a sliver. OUr V-25 is a masthead rig so the spinakder is "I" = 29'4". 29.3x10x180 = 528 sq ft +/-. If you want to read the bible on sails find a copy of Sailpower by Wallace Ross, published around 1970 or as suggested get a copy of Chapmans. I would sugget investing in Chapmans. It is a deep well of knowledge. Hope this helps. Fair winds and Full Sails....