Smaller jib//Bigger Main

[Guest]

I'm thinking of having new pentax sails made for the boat. Before talking with a sailmaker I have a couple ideas to throw out here for conversation.1. have the 110% jib cut a bit smaller so the sheet can be run inside both shrouds and straight back to the cabin top so it can be really flattened going to weather.2. because the jib will be a bit smaller, go with a full-roached main to make up for lost sail area on the jib.3. have the main made with a loose foot for better down-wind performance.

 

[Julian Sandford]

sheets

Sheeting inside the shrouds should give much better pointing, although the much reduced sail area may affect your slot effect adversely. I got UK sails here in the UK to come to the boat and measure and make me a good Dacron headsail which actually bends around the outer shroud. Looks odd but the boat points about 10 deg. higher. It would be about 120%. The sail is recommended up to 15 kn windspeed. This is a good compromise.I don't think the 310 justifies a good mainsail, as it never will be a boat that will respond well to excessive tuning, although proper sails are a ton better than the factory dogs. Mine is a 1999 310.Let me know how you get on!js@screenmedia.tv

 

[Steve]

I wouldn't

1. I wouldn't cut down the 110% as it is already on the small side.2. Get the bigger main anyway, if speed is your concern.3. Forget the loose foot, and get a spinnaker for down wind performance. Nothing will outperform a spinnaker downwind.

 

[Doug]

My experience with new sails

We had UK make us a new 110 150 and main all in the tape drive w/kevlar tapes. We can roll the 150 all the way to a 130 and still get good performance as it is made for that with the foam luff pad, reinforcement etc. We get mostly light winds here so we would never sacrafice sail area for pointing. I rather fall off at 6.5-7 knots than pinch at 4.5-5 knots any day. Of course, we are mainly cruisers not racers. Are main is very, very roachy and in light winds we have to giggle the boom to get the 2nd batten off the back stay (would never do it any other way though). With the 150 and super roach main along with tall rig and luff cut down to the deck on headsails (drum below deck) we are pushing around 700 sq. feet. We are first to reef out there but in 10-15 knots we rule.If you race only and sail in areas with average wind speeds above 15-20 knots then go ahead and slaughter your jib. Otherwise, keep your sq. footage and go for the higher reading on you knot log.Doug