Hello,
I'm in the process of purchasing a 2003 Bavaria 44. The present owner has Full Batten Main and a 150% Genoa. When speaking with him he consistently mentions that often when the wind picks-up and sailing up wind (I assume over 20 kts) he finds himself rolling-up the Genoa and motor-sailing where he is going. He tells me that this is because the Genoa looses to much shape if reefed more than 10% - 15% and he just doesn’t like to sail or treat the sails that way. When asked why doesn’t he just get a smaller Genoa or
Jib he says that he rather have the 150% for the lighter days and motor-sail on the heavy days. We sail in the Puerto Rico / USVI / BVI area where is rare to have winds bellow 12 – 15 kts and most days is over 15.
I rather sail to where I’m going and not motor-sail. Any comments or suggestions? Is it realistic to consider a stay-sail installation on a boat that is not originally rigged for this? What are my choices?
In terms of materials to choose from; I’ll be purchasing new sails for this boat soon after I buy it. I love a well trimmed and balanced boat; what’s the best material I can get for this boat keeping in mind that it’s a cruiser(durability and long life is a concern), most likely it will not be raced, and if so it’ll be done on the
Jib and Main Class.
Thank you very much for your most informative forum.
Labestia