Buying a used sail - something does not make sense to me

[synapse]

Hello,

As you may know, I purchased a 22 foot sailboat (my first) and am taking up this sport. Since my headsail is a genny (130%) my instructor stated it may be best if I also purchase a jib around 80% or so. I cannot argue with his logic, as this makes sense to me during times of stronger wind.

My current headsail measurements are:
Leech: 24 feet, 4 inches
Luff: 20 feet, 8 inches
Foot: 10 feet, 11 inches

Now my (perhaps dumb) question...in looking at used sails online, it seems the Luff is always longer than the Leech. How is this possible mathematically? The leech is the hypotenuse, which should always be longer (as in the case of my sail dimensions above), right???

Thank you
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[BubbleheadMd]

Because the angles are not perfectly perpendicular. For good, used sails, check with Bacon Sails- Bacon Sails & Marine Supplies.

No affiliation, just a happy customer.

[apogee1mars]

How do you start a thread? I cannot seem to figure it out duh....

[Sublime]

It's not a flat triangle. The leech needs to be long enough for sail twist.

Originally Posted by apogee1mars

How do you start a thread? I cannot seem to figure it out duh....

How much beer, pork rinds, and slim jims have you sent the admins? When you fulfill the bribe, a "new thread" button will appear at the top of the forum.

[BigZ]

Sounds like you might be mixing the luff and leech terms. Luff is the edge of the sail that attaches to the forestay.

[Barquito]

Now my (perhaps dumb) question...in looking at used sails online, it seems the Luff is always longer than the Leech.

If the sail forms a right triangle with the tack around 90 degrees, then, the leach should be longer than the luff. If the clew is cut higher, then the leach could be longer than the luff.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by Barquito

If the sail forms a right triangle with the tack around 90 degrees, then, the leach should be longer than the luff. If the clew is cut higher, then the leach could be longer than the luff.

The tack cannot be 90 degrees, it will always be less. Unless the tack is high off the foredeck.

[synapse]

Oops..yes, I confused the two dimensions (embarassed). Well..moving on and corrected:

My current headsail dimensions are:
Luff: 24 feet, 4 inches
Leech 20 feet, 8 inches
Foot: 10 feet, 11 inches

The 100% Jib would be at 8 foot, 5 inches according to my boat dimensions.

Since I am looking to get another headsail for heavy weather, do these dimensions make sense to purchase (or similar)?
Luff: 20 feet, 0 inches
Leech: 18 feet, 2 inches
Foot: 7 foot, 1 inches

Obviously, it would be a reduction of all headsail dimension..is that too much of a reduction?

Thank you
synapse

[Sublime]

Originally Posted by synapse

Oops..yes, I confused the two dimensions (embarassed). Well..moving on and corrected:

My current headsail dimensions are:
Luff: 24 feet, 4 inches
Leech 20 feet, 8 inches
Foot: 10 feet, 11 inches

The 100% Jib would be at 8 foot, 5 inches according to my boat dimensions.

Since I am looking to get another headsail for heavy weather, do these dimensions make sense to purchase (or similar)?
Luff: 20 feet, 0 inches
Leech: 18 feet, 2 inches
Foot: 7 foot, 1 inches

Obviously, it would be a reduction of all headsail dimension..is that too much of a reduction?

Thank you
synapse

That'll teach me to give you the benefit of the doubt.

If 8' 5" is the foot for a 100% jib, then by my squirrel math, the 7'1" foot would be consistent with about an 80% jib.

[synapse]

Thanks Sublime...just making sure reducing the other dimensions so much makes sense as well....soooo much to learn. I truly appreciate all the feedback. Someday, perhaps I will be on the other end giving advice (well..maybe