Selecting Headsail Size

[g0twind]

I have been looking for a used mainsail in better condition than the one I currently own but have not had much luck.

Lately, I've been thinking of using my tax refund to help fund a new mainsail and headsail.

My question to you guys is....if I can only afford one new headsail, which size should it be?

For The 2010 and 2011 Seasons:
58% of the time I used my working jib (with a 9' foot and 24' luff)
33% of the time I used my genoa (with an 12' foot and 21' luff)
9% of the time I used my storm sail

38% of the time the wind was 10-15 mph
25% of the time the wind was Light
21% of the time the wind was 5-10 mph
16% of the time the wind was 15-20

We use the boat for daysailing on Lake Ontario.

Thanks in advance!

[Faster]

Assume we're talking about hank on.. no furler?

Do you have the frac rig PY 23? I'd suggest a headsail somewhere between the two you have now. However if your main is trashed and you have the frac you may get more dividends changing the main first.... ideally, of course, get two..

[GeorgeB]

What is your boat's "J" dimension and the LP (Luff Perpendicular) of your headsails? The foot dimension isn't very helpful as it varies depending upon how high the clew is (also known as cut). The wind sppeds you mention are not that strong and I'm wondering why you are using a storm sail? Can you measure the LP on that sail? Generally speaking, a headsail with an LP of 110% of your "J" dimension (Lapper, working jib) should be able to carry you up to 20kts of wind. A 130-140% from the low teens downward. Winds under 10kts and you could probably go up to a 150%, although, you will loose most of your pointing ability. Are your sails original or "vintage"? If so, you will notice a big difference with a new main.

[sck5]

I live in upstate NY. A lot of summer days have pretty light winds or none at all. I would go for a larger rather than a smaller sail - From your own wind stats it is likely that you could fly, say, a 135 all but 16% of the time. For that 16% pull out your old working jib.

Even better (if you win the lottery) get a spinnaker for those really light wind days!! But watch out for squall lines on hot muggy days

[g0twind]

Masthead rig. I believe sails are original.

I call our number 3 the "storm sail" as it is the smallest headsail we have.

Not sure on the LP's. I do know the number two does not go behind the mast.

[celenoglu]

Considering your finance, use your "genova" dimensions and buy a main sail with 3 reefs.

You can also add a reef to your genova, although it is not very easy to tidy the genova, but it works

[Sublime]

Originally Posted by g0twind

For The 2010 and 2011 Seasons:
58% of the time I used my working jib (with a 9' foot and 24' luff)
33% of the time I used my genoa (with an 12' foot and 21' luff)
9% of the time I used my storm sail

38% of the time the wind was 10-15 mph
25% of the time the wind was Light
21% of the time the wind was 5-10 mph
16% of the time the wind was 15-20

Wow, the record keeping!

[Sabreman]

Since the vast majority of the time (84%) is 15kt or below, a 135% to 145% is warranted. No less, IMO. Personally, I'd do 145% and reef the main if it got into the low 20s. But if you are worried that the boat would be overpowered, 135% wouldn't be a bad choice.

For the main, a 2+2 batten configuration, loose foot with a full roach for the light air. 2 sets of reefs.

They're an investment that you won't regret.

[Lake Superior Sailor]

Buy the working jib & 60% of the time you will have new sails up. The rest of the time use the old ones!..Dale

[peterchech]

I'm in a very similar situation. I decided to get a lightweight "drifter" style 150 genoa for light to moderate summer days, and a 100% working jib for the rest of the time. Maybe something in between will get ordered in the future, but the rest of my sails budget will be on a new main (if bacon has something for a good price)... My original genoa was a heavy 150, hard to keep full in light airs and too big above 15 knots wind speed, even reefed, so a big heavy genoa is prob not the best option...