question on sails

[Mark_OD23]

I learned to sail on a sunfish (dramaticall simple boat)

In July 2002, I finally reached my dream - bought an O''Day 23'' ...Has MUCH more than the sunfish.

Both sails are in GREAT condiction, main looks good. My question is: is there a difference between a jib and a genoa? and how do I determine if it''s a 110% or a 135% or a 150% ???

A simple answer (if there is one, would be GREATLY appreciated!)

hoping the experienced sailors don''t make me walk the plank for asking that kinda question *LOL*

Best Regards,
Mark

[Denr]

MarkOverdose23:

Many moons ago, I owned an O''day 23 which hardly qualifies me as an expert to answer your question but here goes anyway. I would guess that you would want the smaller head sail (jib, normally 100% of the fore triangle) for the beginning and end of the season when the winds are normally the strongest and a larger sail 135-150% for the summer months when the winds are traditionally lighter, of course depending on where you plan to sail. Now go take a long walk off a short pier!

[paulk]

Just make sure your boat is at the end of the pier you''re walking off of. :O)!

[Mark_OD23]

thanks.

Just hoping to gain the polite insight of others so the less experienced.

[rleslie]

In layman terms: a genoa is a fore sail (forward of the mast) which extends beyond the mast (to aft). The distance from the base of the fore stay to the base of the mast is considered 100%. A 130 would be 30% longer along it''s foot (base of the sail). A jib is 100% or smaller, thus not extending aft of the mast.

Your questions are always welcome by the vast majority of those who participate on this and other BBs.

[BrentGH]

Hey Mark, the percentage values are relative to the size of your foretriangle. So a 100% would be the exact same square footage as your foretriangle. That measure is the distance from headstay foot to the mast(perpendicular to the mast) * the height of the mast, all divided by 2. To find the area of a jib or genoa, you have two triangles, the one above the LP(luff perpendicular), which is the line from the clew to the luff, perpendicular to the luff. Use the triangle area formula(1/2 base * height) to figure out these triangles, and add them together. It sounds tricky, but it isnt. This number is your total area. Divide it by the foretriangle area, and you will have some value around 1.10, or 1.35, or 1.50. Thats 110%, 135%, 150%... get it? Good luck. And choosing the right sail, depends on the prevailing conditions, what you are trying to to, and how you are trying to do it, and some voodoo, for good measure.

[DelmarRey]

Date: Nov. 19 2002 9:39 PM
Author: DelmarRey
Subject: Electric Wheel
I see Sailnet caught on to our posts about alternative propulsion in their favorites column. Discussions about electric motors in sail boats a couple of weeks ago. Personally, I think it is the wave of the future. Instant starting, reverse without that nasty grind for some boats. And quiet clean running. There are two cars out on the road now that are setting the path to elecric powered systems. We''ll see what happens???????????